http://astepinthejourney.com/2018/04/family-rules-and-values.html

Do you have a hard time setting rules in your house – I know that we do. I found this awesome blog post about exactly that and wanted to share. We have been trying so hard to get our girls to follow some rules. Somewhere between a few moves from different states and different schools (ministry life) and now mom working full time bivocationally …. they just like to be their own bosses.

Rules are so important for kids to learn. I try to teach my preschoolers (and staff) at work the importance of following the rules the first time and how they are not placed to be a fun sucker but rather to keep everyone safe and happy. I love A Step In The Journey’s family rules –

OBEY

Obedience is so hard for a kiddo to learn. Their brains are ever expanding and they’re curious by nature. They push boundaries and want to see just how far they can get away with certain things. Obedience is key and obedience on the first time being asked to do something. We don’t want to control our kids or rule by fear, instead instill in them that obedience is what God wants. We are trying to raise them to be good human beings who love God, love others, and love themselves.

I should add that when we are teaching our kids how to be obedient we don’t discourage questions. I let them ask why because they’re still learning – just like we are as parents. We do our best to explain why we are asking them to do x y or z. For instance, obedience of walking near our shopping cart in the store or coming to us the first time we say their name. Danger could be lurking, the plan could have changed, or something important could have come up – we need them to listen and listen the first time.

Ephesians 6:1-3 (MSG)

Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. “Honor your father and mother” is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, “so you will live well and have a long life.”

Be Kind

No one wants to be around people who are not kind. Think about it – the kid on the playground picking on you. The bully from high school. The coworker that thinks they’re better than everyone else and they let everyone know it. We could easily show these people the same “kindness” that they’re showing us or we could be the better person and “kill em with kindness”. It’s the right thing to do and it’s what Jesus did. He doesn’t condemn anyone or give them what they deserve. He is kind and He is loving. You can change a whole persons life by simply being kind to them. We want to teach our kids how to be a friend, a loving and kind person, and how to personify Jesus to the best of their absolute ability.

Colossians 3:12

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Be Respectful

You’re going to encounter these people who you are not going to agree with. Maybe they’re kinda different. They don’t look like you. They don’t think like you. It’s our job to still respect them.

To respect someone is: to admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements. To have a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. Or to give due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others. (Definition from dictionary.com)

Something greatly missing from this generation is respect. It seems like it’s a lost art form if you will to be able to put aside your thoughts and beliefs and to respect those around you especially if they’re older, wiser, in a higher role than you, etc. Our goal is to raise respectful children who love the Lord and everyone around them.

Romans 2:10

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Share with EVERYONE

Sharing is caring. This is probably the very first sentence my kiddos in my home and in my classroom learn. Sharing with someone shows that you care. And we want our kiddos to be caring individuals. Not necessarily people who are walked all over and taken advantage of – we will teach them boundaries as they go, but we want them to be kind, loving, compassionate, and to have that empathy and compassion to share. We want it to be like a second nature to them to simply give and give give and some more.

Hebrews 13:16

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Proverbs 3:27

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

Tell The Truth

This might seem silly, you would think that kids wouldn’t know how to lie. Unfortunately due to our sinful nature and the world that we are born into lying is just too easy. Kids (just like adults) don’t want to get into trouble so lying just comes naturally. It’s natural to be afraid of consequences and we as parents need to teach our children that yes, consequences happen when you do something that is wrong, but they’re much worse when you lie about it. I would so much rather my child tell me something horrible they did than to lie about it and for me to find out later. The truth will set you free … isn’t that how the saying goes? If we as parents don’t teach our kids this simple rule – the world will run with them and tell them to lie about everything.

Provers 12:17

When you tell the truth, justice is done, but lies lead to injustice.

This isn’t something that happens over night- we have been trying for a hot minute to get our kids to where they need to be. The thing is consistency is key. And every parent has an end result of simply just trying to raise good, loving, kind human beings.

Does your house have rules? Are they the same? What rules do you have that are different? Let me know below!