Rules For Respect-Boundaries Of Behavior

Do your kids think you have too many rules? Do they push the limits and boundaries of respect? Perhaps you have had similar conversations that started like these in order to teach respect for others. "What’s the matter with that word, they say it all the time on television?" "We were only teasing her, we didn’t mean it." Though children and young adults will get mixed or conflicting messages from the television, magazine and friends, they need you to set and enforce clear, respectful rules and limits. They need to know that you expect them to do and be their best. By providing this guidance you will help them learn how to be responsible, contributing members of society. Consistent boundaries within the family are pretty predictable and the children know what the rules and expectations are.nnConsistency in discipline is the number one factor in successful families: It is important that love, respect, cooperation and expectations are unconditional and not dependant on circumstances or behavior. Here are some common boundaries your family may have;nn- The car will not start until the seat belt clicks.n- Parents must always know the 4 Ws before they are allowed to leave with friends. WHO are the friends, WHERE are they going, WHAT are they doing, and WHEN will they be home.n- We do not speak in derogatory ways about anyone. n- A child can count on dinner being at six o'clock or there about.n- Bedtime is 8:30 on school nights and homework is done before playtime. Consistent boundaries and standards give a child and the whole family a feeling of security and safety. It is within this safe environment that self-discipline and life skills begin to flourish and develop.nnBe Partners with Schools and Community Organizations As a community, as well as a family, we need to give consistent messages to our children conce ing dangerous, unacceptable and unkind behavior. When they understand hateful teasing or name calling is not acceptable it will be easier for them to forgo temptation to participate. It is our responsibility as adults to help them learn and live by the basic rule that actions have consequences. By teaching and enforcing family, school and community rules, you teach respect and tolerance for all.nnThank you for doing a good job You are doing the most important job in the world, raising self-disciplined, thoughtful and contributing children. Thank you for your time and effort. We will all be blessed by having members of society who work within a framework of acceptable behavior.