Unique Rules For The Home
Everyone has their own set of ground rules that govern the home. Many of us pick up these rules from our own parents while other rules are perhaps learned along the way. I found some interestingly unique rules from CNN that (apparently) work. Care to read about them?
You can’t be in the room when I’m working unless you work, too.
Goal: Get your child to help, or stop bugging you, while you do chores.
I found this rule really interesting and to be honest I have not thought of it. How many times have you tried to finish your chores around the house only to get interrupted countless times by your child? Mommy I want some water. Mommy what are you doing? Mommy let’s play. So on…If you enforce this rule, you can solve this problem. Not only will you get more things done, your child will also be more productive.
I don’t work past 8 p.m.
Goal: Regular bedtimes and time off for you.
This is actually a twisting of the bedtime rule. Our bedtime is 8:00 pm. Oftentimes, though, the kids do not want to follow this rule. The CNN article suggests taking the focus away from the kids and putting it on yourself. Instead of restricting their activities, restrict yours. YOU stop working at 8 so they cannot rely on you for anything after than time. As such, they should go to bed instead. It’s all in the perspective, isn’t it?
There are a couple more of these rules with a twist and perhaps we can take a look at them next time.
July 20th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I like the idea of restricted time for yourself in the evenings, but with 3 children who are 4 and under, I find that if I don’t work in the evenings some times I don’t get anything done! So, how do you get around that? I would love to go to bed earlier, and have time to myself – in a perfect world
July 21st, 2008 at 8:46 am
Oh my, that is indeed tough. Maybe you can tweak the rule and say “no work with the children” after 8? Then you can do housework when they’re in bed.