Rules
- Establishing Rules
Rules are a way of establishing limits, security and consistency in
the family.
When establishing family rules, you should focus on:
•
Getting input from family
members for acceptable rules.
•
Establishing rules that
are short and to the point.
•
Stating rules in a positive
manner, and in a language your
•
children will understand.
•
Limiting rules to prevent
overloading your children.
•
Establishing rules that
are realistic for the age and maturation
•
level of the children.
•
Emphasizing rewards for
following rules as well as negative
•
consequences for breaking
them.
Remember, a rule that is not enforced is worse than no rule
at all.
Top
of Page
Limits - Setting Limits
Setting behavioral limits with children and consistently following
through with consequences is an important component in family relationships.
Several issues to consider when setting limits are:
•
Be specific with
children when communicating expectations.
•
Be positive and
consistent.
•
Help your children
make choices.
•
Praise positive
behavior. Firmly, but sensitively, correct negative behavior.
•
Emphasize your children's
strengths.
•
Be a good listener.
Top of Page
Tips - Tips for Parenting
Making
rules and establishing routines is an easy and effective way to build
good habits in your children. It also makes the job of parenting go
a little smoother. The times with the greatest conflict in a family
are often bedtime, meal time, homework and household chores, establishing
rules and setting limits.
Here are some suggestions which can help you in several situations:
•
Establish
your routine, whether for meal time or bedtime, and stick
to it. Make sure your child understands the consequences of not
following appropriate behavior.
•
Rotate responsibility
in your family for chores, but make sure each
•
task is completed
on time, and as you have requested. Positively
•
reward a
job well done, and let them know what will happen if the
•
chore is
not completed.
•
Set rules
that are realistic and that your children can understand.
•
Keep them
simple and positive.
•
Always be
specific about your expectations.
Top
of Page
Help - Additional Help
Additional places on the Internet for Parents:
Parents'
Place
www.parentsplace.com
Disney's
-- Family
www.family.com
The
Future of Children
www.futureofchildren.org/
Youth
and Children's Resources
www.child.net/childco.htm
Children
Now
www.childrennow.org/
Dr.
Laura
www.drlaura.com/
Top
of Page
At
The Center, we understand how difficult parenting can be. If you need
special help, or have any questions, please contact
the Center online or call
us at:
(501) 452-6650 Mon-Fri 8:30am to 5pm
or (800) 542-1031 24-Hour Crisis Line
