There are different philosophies on setting up house rules for kids. Family rules for teenagers can be especially tricky. Teenagers need both boundaries and freedom.
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, don’t complicate life by having too many rules for the kids. The rules kids have you need to enforce 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 for teenagers.
Best House Rule Ever
The most important of the house rules for kids is “Respect the Mother.” After I told them the number 1 rule, we 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 an 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?”.
When 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 House Rule for Kids Eases Mom’s Overwhelm
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.
If you need a more systematic approach this chore system works wonders or try these chore cards for kids to get your kids to help around the house.
Make Good Decision
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.
House Rules for Little Kids
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 his simple rule, the parent could often stop defiance by asking, “Are you following the number one rule?” or “Are you being nice to Mommy?”
I have a copy of our house rules in my resource library for you to print. You can look at another option for house rules here or here, if you want more than 2 house rules.
House Rules for Kids Free Printable
Related:
5 Surefire Ways to Stop Whining
Pay Off For the Best Ever Family House Rule
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.” 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.”
For more tips on raising sons as a single mom, you can find my advice here.
Read about our second and last household rule in Parenting Rule #2.
More Resources
42 Fun Activities for Kids to Do at Home
How to Have Amazing Conversations with Your Kids
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