5 Important Rules for Kids

Safety rules include physical safety and emotional safety. Physical safety might address things like, “Sit on the furniture only (no standing or jumping)” and “Don’t answer the door when Mom’s in the shower.” Emotional safety may include household rules like, “Use kind words only,” and “Everyone can share their feelings as long as they show respect.” When kids feel safe, they are free to focus their energy on exploring their talents and their environment.

Create rules that instill values and morals in your children. These types of rules may include things like, “Tell the truth,” and “Apologize when you’re sorry.” Of course, it’s essential that you role model these rules. Your children will learn more from what you do, rather than what you say.

Kids do best when they have routine and structure. So, create rules that encourage your child to develop daily habits. For example, “Brush your teeth after breakfast,” or “Put your dirty clothes in the hamper.

Creating healthy habits and routines helps reduce power struggles. When kids know that they are supposed to hang their coat up when they come home from school or that they’re supposed to do homework right after dinner, it can reduce a lot of arguing as long as there are clear consequencesfor misbehavior.

Kids also need rules that teach them social skills. For example, “Share your toys with your brother,” or “Take turns while playing the game,” teach appropriate ways to interact with others. Older kids may need rules about their electronics. Establish rules that limit your child’s smartphone and computer use and rules that encourage appropriate etiquette. For example, make the dinner table a “phone-free zone” and don’t allow your child to sleep with a smartphone in his room.

Kids also need rules that will help prepare them for becoming adults. Establish rules that teach life skills that will help them function better once they leave home. The exact rules and help your child will need to develop these skills will depend largely on your child’s temperament. Some kids are just more likely to behave responsibly and stay motivated with their school work, while other kids need extra rules to support them. For example, setting rules about chores and money helps prepare kids for the working environment. Provide kids with chores and the opportunity to earn an allowance. Then, teach them about money so they can learn how to save and spend money wisely so they are better prepared for paying their own bills as adults.