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.