Setting "Ground Rules" with your children is a great way to communicate your expectations and be consistent in your parenting. This can be especially helpful if your rules at home are different from the rules that apply at day care or when your children are visiting their other parent's house.
What are "Ground Rules?" They are the rules that apply at all times, regardless of where you are or what you are doing.
Guidelines For Developing Ground Rules:- Keep Your Ground Rules Simple
You'll want to keep the ground rules simple enough that your kids can memorize them and even repeat them back to you.
- Limit Your List of Ground Rules to 3-5 Items
A list of ten rules simply can't be memorized, and the point of having "Ground Rules" is to communicate your expectations in a concise, succinct manner so that your kids can remember them.
- Use Positive Language
Phrase your wording in a positive manner. For example, try not to start your rules with the word "don't." Instead of saying "Don't call one another names," try "Be respectful."
- Let Your Kids Participate in Writing the Ground Rules
You have some very definite ideas about what will fly in your house and what won't. However, giving the kids a chance to participate in writing the ground rules will increase their sense of ownership and willingness to follow the rules.
- Refer to Your Ground Rules Often
Especially with young children, you want to review the ground rules frequently. You can make this into a fun exercise. For example, before attending a party together at someone else's house, you might say to the kids, "Now, what are the ground rules again?"
- Treat one another as you'd like to be treated.
- Use an "indoor voice" when we're inside.
- Use "walking feet" in the house.
- Use your manners.
