Family Rules

My sweet husband and I try to teach our children right from wrong in our daily activities, but have found over the years that saying no to everything that was wrong just didn't quite work. Having rules is so very important with children, but I have always found it difficult to have those don't do this or don't do that rules. Yes, and I used to teach in an actual classroom ;-)
We found the Biblical route was the way to go that helped to support what we were already trying to teach our children. I don't have rules, per say, but the boys (and soon Sofia now that she is getting older) know when Momma says something in particular, I'm referring to the Fruit of the Spirit. I had a friend years ago that recommended the use of these rules and encouraged me in my walk to enforce them. She was invaluable to the growth of my children and a great example for me to follow which is always greatly appreciated.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

—Galatians 5:22-23

But Kim, this isn't the Family Fun I tuned in for today, you say? No, discipline is never fun. But it can be peaceful and a way to keep family time fun without the bickering or the battle that sometimes ensues. A gentle reminder of a broad topic is sometimes so much easier to handle than a firm no. I find the children are more responsive when we are softer with our discipline. I'm NOT saying by any means that we don't ever have to be tough on the kids. It's never easy, but with God as your family guide, you can make it less challenging.

I encourage you to adopt our rules as needed for your family and adjust as you see fit. I have used so many different methods with these rules that I would love to see what ideas you can come up with them.

Household Rules

LOVE- Show LOVE and RESPECT to God, your family, and your neighbor.

JOY-  Be JOYFUL and APPRECIATE what God has blessed you with.

PEACE- Be PEACEFUL with one another, do not aggravate, quarrel and tease.

PATIENCE- Show PATIENCE and UNDERSTANDING.

KINDNESS- Show KINDNESS in helping others.

GOODNESS- Show GOODNESS by doing everything with RESPECT and HONOR.

FAITHFULNESS- Honor God with your actions and words. FAITHFULLY go to Him in prayer.

GENTLENESS- Be GENTLE and kind in spirit, show MERCY and COMPASSION.

SELF-CONTROL- Always CONTROL your words and actions to glorify God and to honors others. Take RESPONSIBILITY for all you have and do.

We have used a fruit basket with pretend fruit. The children get to fill their basket as they do good things and follow the Fruit of the Spirit, but they lose fruit when they  misbehave. We would end each day with a special treat if that was earned for the day. And by ending the day as such, we were able to talk about the "rules" that were broken and what kind of changes we can make the following day to improve. My kids have flourished with this and while we don't have it up and showing all the time, we bring it out when we find it is needed. This might be one of those weeks ;-) 

Please remember to share with me how this works for your family.