By John and Diane.
The House Rules post is our Number 1. read post on this blog, and it's no wonder. Getting house-rules to work in your home means setting boundaries that allow kids to understand expectations and consequences...and to follow them. It doesn't mean your kids will be perfect, but it is the foundation that tells your kids that you are in control and that defiance has penalties. Especially important for foster homes or homes where your kids have behavioral problems, having and posting house rules clearly defines expectations, which is a vital, first step.
Having said that, we thought this would be a good time to go back over the House Rules and encourage those of you who don't have any to start the new year off right by posting your own in your home. You might want to tweak them a bit to reflect your own circumstances and kids, but overall, you want to be clear about the rules and the penalties and always leave room for additions and changes to be made by YOU. (kids always look for loopholes.)
Once you have your house rules developed, go over them with the kids so that everyone understands them. Remember, although kids might complain about the rules, rules also give your kids comfort and security. They help ease anxiety and let the kids know that the rules apply to everyone and help keep Everyone safe and happy.
Now, my example set of rules has been created with my foster kids in mind, and has been tweaked over the years to include areas of concern including things like inappropriate sexual behaviors and the like.
Don't forget: Go over house rules with the children's visitors as well.
House Rules should be incorporated with Chore Lists and Disciplinary Action Forms, all available to download off our Facebook page.
Here is our basic list of house rules:
The House Rules post is our Number 1. read post on this blog, and it's no wonder. Getting house-rules to work in your home means setting boundaries that allow kids to understand expectations and consequences...and to follow them. It doesn't mean your kids will be perfect, but it is the foundation that tells your kids that you are in control and that defiance has penalties. Especially important for foster homes or homes where your kids have behavioral problems, having and posting house rules clearly defines expectations, which is a vital, first step.
Having said that, we thought this would be a good time to go back over the House Rules and encourage those of you who don't have any to start the new year off right by posting your own in your home. You might want to tweak them a bit to reflect your own circumstances and kids, but overall, you want to be clear about the rules and the penalties and always leave room for additions and changes to be made by YOU. (kids always look for loopholes.)
Once you have your house rules developed, go over them with the kids so that everyone understands them. Remember, although kids might complain about the rules, rules also give your kids comfort and security. They help ease anxiety and let the kids know that the rules apply to everyone and help keep Everyone safe and happy.
Now, my example set of rules has been created with my foster kids in mind, and has been tweaked over the years to include areas of concern including things like inappropriate sexual behaviors and the like.
Don't forget: Go over house rules with the children's visitors as well.
House Rules should be incorporated with Chore Lists and Disciplinary Action Forms, all available to download off our Facebook page.
Here is our basic list of house rules:
1. Do not steal
2. Do not lie
3. Do not swear
4. Do not fight
5. Do not back talk to adults
6. Do not enter other people’s bedrooms without
permission from John.
7. Always knock on the bathroom door before entering,
wash hand after using, flush toilet, and put toilet seat down.
8. Always pick up your toys or anything you were using
and put them back.
9. Always ask before taking food. Pop/ juices/milk can
only be drank at mealtime. All other times. Water is available for you to drink.
10. Do not eat in your bedroom or any other
room other than the kitchen
and dining room area without permission from John. Always put your dishes away.
12. No cell phone or computers in the bedroom after bedtime.
13. No sitting next to each other on the couch or
being under a blanket together, you must always be able to be seen.
14. No grabbing or holding any other children when
playing a game or any other time or reason.
15. No taking revenge on other kids for any
reason. Any of these rules can be modified by John at any time.
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