Family House Rules: A Guide to Building a Harmonious Living Space

Establishing house rules in a family can be a significant step towards creating a harmonious living environment. This article outlines effective house rules that contribute to a smooth and organized household. Whether you are a seasoned parent or a new one, establishing clear guidelines can help maintain order and respect among family members. In this piece, we share some house rules that work in our family and offer insights on why communication and flexibility are crucial.

Core Principles of House Rules

The foundation of our house rules is based on principles that emphasize communication, respect, and responsibility. The first rule is inspired by the book Kids Are Worth It: Raising Resilient, Responsible, Compassionate Kids. It is Simple: Say what you mean, mean what you say, and do what you said you were going to do. This principle sets the stage for consistent behavior and builds trust among family members. However, realizing and admitting mistakes is also vital. We often have to negotiate with our children when we realize something doesn’t work.

Practical House Rules for a Smooth Household

Here are some practical and easy-to-follow house rules that we implemented in our home:

Close It

If you open it, close it—a universal principle that applies to doors, drawers, cabinets, bottles, and jars. This simple rule minimizes clutter and helps prevent accidents, such as shaking an open bottle of salad dressing.

Turn It Off

Turn it off—light switches, faucets, space heaters, stoves, and electrical appliances should be turned off when not in use. It is also a good practice to unplug devices when they are not in use. This saves energy and ensures safety in the house.

Put It Back

Put it back—this rule is essential for maintaining order. Whenever something is taken out of its place, it should be returned to its original spot. This prevents confusion and helps everyone in the household find things easily.

Clean Up

Clean up—if you make a mess, clean it up. This includes personal property in common areas. Cleanliness is not just about appearance; it contributes to a healthier living environment. Our rule includes cleaning the windows, bathtubs, and other surfaces that might get dirty.

Specific Rules for Our Household

Here are some specific house rules that we have in our household:

Washing Hands and Removing Shoes

Wash your hands after entering the house to keep germs at bay. Removing shoes at the door not only prevents dirt from being brought inside but also promotes a neat and tidy living space.

Cleaning the Bathtub and Making Your Bed

After each use, the bathtub should be cleaned out. Also, make your bed up once you get up and about for the day. These small actions contribute to a more organized and comfortable living environment.

No Dishes in the Sink and Buying Before Taking

There should be no dishes left in the sink; they should be washed or put in the dishwasher. If an item was not bought, it should not be taken. This rule promotes fairness and consideration within the household.

Bedtime and Dinner Rules

Once you're in bed, you stay there unless sick or the house is on fire. Our evening routine includes washing faces, brushing teeth, and using the bathroom. A glass of water is placed by the bed, and we engage in a simple dance or reading routine before bedtime. Our daughter is allowed to stay up as long as she wants, but not out of bed. Our house rule that no one gets up from the table until finished eating, played by the wait staff's check delivery, makes our dining experience more enjoyable and respectful.

Benefits of Clear House Rules

The implementation of these house rules has several benefits:

Enhances communication and understanding among family members Encourages responsibility and accountability Maintains a tidy and germ-free living space Teaches children the value of shared responsibilities and respect for others

By establishing clear and consistent house rules, parents can create an environment that fosters growth, respect, and a sense of community among family members. Remember, flexibility and negotiation are key in adapting these rules to suit the changing needs of your household.

Conclusion

House rules are not just a set of simple commands; they are a foundational element of family life that can help build a harmonious and organized living space. By incorporating these rules, families can enjoy a more structured and enjoyable living environment while teaching valuable life skills to their children.