Inspired by and adapted from
Trivium Academy and
Smooth Stones Academy, we decided to come up with our own set of
"family rules." Mind you, these are not new ideas in our household--although some of them get tested on a regular basis--but actually having them down in clear, concise statements for regular review & memorization will at least nix the ever-popular "I didn't know" &/or "I forgot" excuses from the girlies.
{I know, I know...but I can dream, can't I?}I found a great book (suggested by another homeschooler on one of the many forums/e-mail loops I
lurk at peruse) appropriately titled
"The Golden Rule" by Ilene Cooper. I just read through it myself, and it looks to be the perfect introduction to our house rules. After all, it really is the foundation for all of the others. So, here you go...Eclectic Maxims for Living:
1. Treat others the way I want to be treated.
2. Be kind in actions and words.
3. Always tell the truth.
4. Obey the first time.
5. Exhibit patience and self-control.
6. Show respect to others by using good manners.
7. Share cheerfully – my toys, my time, my talents.
8. Always do my best.
And a few more that I might throw in...just for fun:
9. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
10. Comfort is everything.
11. You can't go wrong with cheese.
3 comments:
Um-humph (clearing my throat), you forgot the chocolate. You cannot have rules without chocolate. They are not good rules until chocolate is mentioned. Did you forget the chocolate? Lol.
Sounds great and with consistency you will see a decline in the "I forgot..." and "I didn't know..." - at least I have. After memorizing and using the rules as copywork the "I didn't know" is no longer valid. The "I forgot" is still used but that can quickly be followed up with "do not lie".
The hardest part of rules is consistency. When I let something slide, give it a couple of days and I'm stressing out! Lol.
Thanks for the nod. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better now that you're not lurking, aka silently perusing.
:) Jessica
Oh my...you're right...how could I have forgotten the chocolate?!?!? I must have written this before I had my essential cup (I mean "cups"...ok...POT) of coffee!!!
Thanks for your amazing generosity in sharing your lesson plans & all-other-things homeschool-related. I'm looking forward to de-lurking and getting to know you better too! :)
~Tammy
Tammy,
Hello from Texas! :) I am a Longhorn myself (noticing your cowboy hat.) Hook 'em Horns!
I am so glad you have found something that's going to work for your family. Our rules have been a blessing for the boys and for me as well. I agree with Jessica in that the hardest part is being consistent (and that chocolate - dark in particular - should be a part of any good set of rules!)
Blessings,
Jennefer
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