There are different philosophies on setting up house rules for teens or really family rules for kids of any age.
I am all for simplicity. It took me awhile, but I finally figured out the best house rules. I figured out by the time my kids were teens I only needed two house rules for teenagers. The first one is definitely the most important.
Efficiency is the Key to Effective House Rules for Kids
Running the household as a single parent was overwhelming. I was struggling to balance work, parenting and the mundane chores of laundry, cooking, cleaning and home repair. I needed more time and more energy. The frequent minor power struggles over household rules were exhausting. I had to think of something to make my life easier.
One night it hit me. We only really needed one house rule, maybe two. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of this before. It is important to have few family rules, but the ones you have need to be enforced consistently. I have seen so many problems happen in families and in kids’ lives when parents say one thing and do another, but those stories will need to wait for another day.
Let’s get to the most important of the house rules teenagers.
Best House Rule Ever
The most important of the house rules for kids is “Respect the Mother.” We then had a discussion about what it means to respect the mother. This rule sounds simple and it is, but it covers a lot of behavior when you think about it. This family rule covers don’t cause worry, do your share, and make good decisions.
Don’t Cause Worry Important House Rule for Teenagers
It is my nature and the nature of most mothers to worry about our children. That means a mom needs to know where her kids are, what they are doing, who they are with, and at whose house they’re scheduled to sleep.
Back when phones could be set up with quick texts, my son put one in my phone that said simply “status.” If my kids got that text it meant I needed to know where you are, what you are doing, and who you are with. It’s a simple request and not overly intrusive for independent teens. It’s also a subtle reminder “What would your mother think if she could see you now.”
Do Your Share
Respecting the mother also means pitching in and helping. We were never in a position to have a household cook or cleaner. This is the case for most families raising children with one parent in the home (and most with two parents in the home). We talked about how, as family members, we do what needs to be done. Everyone pitches in to do the work.
Mom is not another word for servant. The expectation was to do what needed to be done, and get “bonus points”(a pat on the back and a word of appreciation) for noticing what needed to be done and doing it without being asked
Related: Chore Cards for Kids
Make Good Decisions
negative consequences and create extra work. Some of that extra work usually falls on the
mother, who already has a lot of work to do.
I stressed that I understand we all make mistakes,but asked my kids to please think about what would happen and to make the best decisions
possible. It helps to mention that good decisions give us more time for fun and usually more freedom (something kids value more and more as they get older).
House Rules for Littles
I have had clients who are parenting preschoolers ask for advice on the child’s back-talking and defiance. I made a slight modification to the number one rule and suggested they implement the rule as, “Be nice to the mother.” I have had reports that after teaching the child
this simple rule, the parent could often stop defiance by asking, “Are you following the number
one rule?” or “Are you being nice to Mommy?”
Related:
Pay Off For Family Rules
I knew the number one rule had worked when one of my sons, as a senior in high school,
reported that our house was different than his friends’ houses. “How is that?” I asked.
“We have no rules,” he said.
“Huh?”
He explained, “as long as I am respectful and make good decisions I can do
what I want.” And he went on to explain, “making good decisions is usually common
sense—what anyone would do.”
I wasn’t sure what to say. The thought that went through my head was, “Fear not, if you do not make good decisions, there will be less opportunity to do what you want.”
I responded, after a moment of speechlessness, “Yep, that’s true.”
What are your thoughts on the best parenting rule ever? Is there anything you would add when you
explain this rule to your own children
Read about our second and last household rule in Parenting Rule #2.
You can pin it for later here.
More Resources
How to Co-Parent with a Toxic Ex and Not Go Crazy
How to Have Amazing Conversations with Your Kids
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Very good and useful 🙂 might need to try that rule as often forget this x
Jenny, I am glad you find it helpful. It saved me a lot of stress.
I think this is a great rule! Respect starts in the home and kids will do better at school and in their job when they learn this!
Absolutely, more people loose their jobs because they can not get along with people than because they can not do their job.
I THINK TOO MANY PARENTS ARE TRYING TO BE THEIR KIDS’ FRIEND INSTEAD OF THE PARENT. fURTHER, THEY ARE SO BUSY, THAT THEY WOULD RATHER LET THINGS SLIDE THAN TO TAKE TIME TO CORRECT IN LOVE. tHIS LEADS TO MORE PROBLEMS. rESPECT IS HUGE.
Thanks for stopping by JoJo. A few rules take less time, not more.
Great post, full of really helpful tips in this post. Like others have said, I think being a parent first and then a friend to your kids should be the number one priority for all parents. No matter what.
I am glad you found it helpful, Amanda. Yes, being a parent first is important.
100% agree! I love this. We started using the 1-2-3 Magic method for discipline and it’s amazing – it’s along the same lines, where you respect Mom or she takes privileges away. Quick, easy, and painless – especially for a 2-year-old 😉
Thank you for the reminder!
Leah, I am glad you enjoyed it.
Magnificent site. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing. And of course, thank you to your effort!