1. Listen to Mama and Dada

2. Keep hands & feet to yourself & no biting

3. No spitting

4. Sit in Time Out until told

5. No throwing hard things

6. No crying for things

7. Follow these rules @ Grandma & Papa's

8. Stay out of refrigerator unless told otherwise

9. Ask nicely for things

10. Be quiet @ the store & other indoor places

11. Be nice to the house & to toys & books

12. Talk nice to each other

13. No taking toys away from kids


The posted rules are working quite well. Funny to see a two and three year-old in awe when their behavior is pointed out to them straight off the list. These rules warrant Time Outs. And I used to threaten the older boy with more sitting time if he misbehaved in Time Out. Now I just let him sit longer. He gets the picture after while. The little one thought Time Out was a game at first. He'd run into the other room. I'd get him and bring him back. He'd do it again, giggling. Well, I just stopped going to get him. What he'd do then was come back to the Time Out spot on his own. "Is me all done, mama?" he'd notify me of his surrender. I ignore his ploy. I'll speak to him only after he serves his time. I make them apologize after and we hug.

It's neat how I'll only mention part of what got them in trouble, such as, "Tell me you're sorry for hitting," and they'll reply, "I'm sorry for hitting Lloyd in the head." It shows me they are present. They're acknowledging their misdeed. I am amazed at how much better the boys get along with rules. There's just an understanding that some behaviors will not be tolerated, so the kids make better choices as far as sharing, taking turns, and wanting to play alone or together, on their own.

The rules have also opened up an avenue of respect between us parents and the kids that goes both ways. Even though we, the parents, introduced the rules we are not viewed as the bad guys for it. Instead the kids seem to know they need the direction and reminders in order to separate play, including love, from what's unacceptable, and for that they are grateful. Before, I would holler rules here an there. Sometimes this was OK, while other times not. It was confusing and frustrating. For everyone.

There are other iffy behaviors I leave for the kids to "work on" by themselves, such as what the little one did this morning: dumped his sister's water on the table. I made him get a towel and dry it up. Lloyd messed my bed up yesterday while playing. I made him fix it when he was finished. I showed him how to do it on my side and he copied on the other side. These moments are opportunities for kids to experiment with things and for me to praise them for either overcoming a mistake or simply finishing what they started.

I need a list of rules for me. Because I is pretty good, but that Me, she is a troublemaker.