The Rules

I like rules. I like order. I like knowing that if A happens then B will happen. The only problem with liking rules is the rest of the world doesn’t always agree with me. In my house rules are difficult. I have a child with Autism that does not have the listening ability for verbal communication. He does well with pictures and sometimes will do as he is told, but other times he is totally oblivious to what is happening around him. I have a daughter who believes “I am 3 and it’s all about me!” and tries to live that motto daily. Then I have a 2 year old that just kind of follows the group. He is cute and handsome and he has been known to use that to his advantage. I mean really could you be firm when those beautiful brown eyes and long black eye lashes are looking at you? Then I have a husband that is loud. He’s a yeller. It worked for his mother therefore he thinks it should work for him. But it doesn’t always work that way. And lastly there is me. I like order. If I say do this it should be done. If that task is not done then there is a consequence. And when order slips out of my hands Chaos ensues! It’s not a pretty picture really, and I hate it!



In our house we have a few basic rules.
1. Obey the first time.
2. Do not hit each other.
3. Do not back chat.
4. Be respectful.
5. Pick up toys and books.
Basically that’s it. While our rules are simple it still seems my kids have a hard time grasping them. I know they are toddlers but at some point they have to learn right?

So as I was taking my lunch break today here is what I have concluded. I’ve been reading all the wrong books on how to get my children to mind. I’ve been reading about how to “Have a New Child by Friday”, I usually start reading on Thursday and pray for a miracle. I’ve read “How to make Children Mind without Losing Yours”, good book, but I still think I’m close to the mind losing. I’ve read books by James Dobson, I’ve read book about Autism and behavior. I am all read out! But my conclusion today was this…it’s time to get back to “THE BOOK”. The only book that really gives me the wisdom I need to raise a child in this world today. I’m going back to the Bible. I don’t know why I have thought of that as a “last resort” when it should have been the first book I went to. Those other books are good. They are informative and I have learned from them, but when I want real wisdom, Godly understanding…I should have gone first to the Bible.

So for our house rules they are being revised.
1. Obey the first time. Ephesians 6:1-2 “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise.”
2. Be Respectful. Leviticus 19:3 “Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.
3. Pick up toys and books.

For now we start with that. I think all rules could be covered by those verses, and the kids are little after all so we start small. I deleted a couple, because I believe if you learn to be respectful you will learn not to hit or back chat. As they get older the number of rules will increase, but for now we are back to basics!