Inspired by a recent IKEA ad, it got me thinking about our own house rules. Things are so different now in a house of teens rather than a house of toddlers. Some of the rules have stayed the same and some of the rules have changed along the way.
I thought I had just two simple rules in my house: treat people the way you want to be treated; and, give me 24-hours notice of plans.
My kids corrected me! It turns out there are a few more:
Don't impose your bad mood on others. A good mood? Impose!
Put glassware away in the cupboard upside down.
Don't leave the house without letting someone know where you're going - and when you plan to return.
Wood spoons and white spatulas go with wood spoons and white spatulas, all other kitchen utensils go with all other kitchen utensils. There is no reason to mix them all up.
Always answer your phone if the caller is someone related to you. (Unless you're in the shower or sleeping. Then call back as soon as you can.)
Show up. Own it. Look for good. Only good.
Let me repeat: what others think of you is none of your business.
Toilet paper comes over the top and the roll must be replaced in the same manner when empty.
If you can't live your life as though your actions and words were to be printed on the front page of the newspaper, perhaps you should reconsider those actions and words.
Put the driver's seat back to position #1 and turn down the music when you return the truck.
When empty (only drops left = empty) replace the milk bag in the fridge. Do not leave the container empty on the counter. And throw the little plastic triangles in the garbage when a new bag is opened.
Secrets are toxic. No whispering.
Get yourself up in the morning. You don't like to hear yelling in the morning only half as much as I don't like yelling.
Intollerance will not be tolerated. (Yes, I understand the hypocricy.)
Make sure you have everything with you that you need for school. With rare exception will it be delivered to you. That includes homework, gym clothes and food.
Do not delete shows from the DVR if they were not recorded for your own personal enjoyment.
When out of the house or off school property, do not use data on your phone!
When going to Fortino's, check to make sure we have the basics: bread & milk etc. before you go. And then buy what's missing.
This too shall pass - the bad times and the good times.
Who you choose to be your boyfriend/girlfriend is a reflection of how you feel about yourself. Your family will tell you the truth. Listen. We love you.
The toilet seat is always to be in the down position. Unless in use, of course.
Tell mama first. I do not want to hear from someone else's mum that you did *gasp* at an event. Best to own it and let me know first so I am prepared for the well-meaning - or pot-stirring - "friend" and her "news".
From a place of pure joy and trust, you all sing in the shower. We all suffer through every note - no one can complain about the other! :D
Clothes on your floor do not get washed. And still-folded clothes returned to the laundry room do not get washed either.
Teddy was right: comparison is the thief of joy.
Bickering over provable nonsense is exhausting. If you're going to argue please determine an idea to ease world hunger, devise a plan to stop all wars, find a cure for ebola and other terrible diseases. Nonsense? Ugh.
Check the COZI, if there is nothing, the answer is probably "yes". (Even with the 24-hour rule in place!)
Homework first.
If someone - anyone is talking trash about anyone in your family, defend first and get the facts later.
If in doubt: breathe. In-two-three. Out-two-three. Then speak.
And with that, we're done! What "rules" do you have in your house? How many have changed along the way?
