Hello and Happy Monday!
We had a busy weekend that included the kids going to the 7th grade school dance, volleyball for Hadley, and cheering on the Chiefs last night.
It’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m teaming up with some of my favorite bloggers for Not Just a Mom.
In January, we did Introductions…
This month’s topic is house rules. For some reason, some of my favorite “mom memes” popped in my head:
I joke with my kids and say that they are a “full time job.” 😂but I guess that’s what parenting is…an around the clock, non-stop job. Of course, that sounds kind of negative…I guess I could say we are on a journey.
Anyway, of course we have rules. Well, I call them “rules,” and my kids seem to think they are suggestions. 😂
I’m a structured, type A person. There’s very little “go with the flow” for me. Even if I wanted to, it feels like we are so busy that it’s best to have some structure, so we can stay on top of things.
Here are some of our rules:
*It goes without saying that these rules are a *constant* work in progress. #teens #iykyk
- Be respectful.
- Make your bed. Have you seen this video? I show it to my students every year, and I always start my day by making the bed. Even if everything else seems to need picked up, at least our beds are made. Also, on the weekends, I usually make the kids’ beds. It’s kind of my compromise with them, and since we are home on the weekends, I like the bed to be tidied up and made correctly since I’m here to see it.
- Pick up after yourself. When that doesn’t happen, I end up making piles and telling them to come get their stuff.
- On Sunday, tidy up your room. I wish their rooms were always clean, but that’s probably not ever going to happen, so a Sunday “reset” seems to work (AKA appease me)
- Put away your laundry. We do one load of laundry per person every week. I end up laying and folding their clean clothes on their bed, and then they hang and put them away.
- Help unpack the groceries. Since they eat 80% of the foods, they definitely need to help put it away!
- On that note, throw away empty food packages. There’s nothing worse than when I think I’m going to enjoy a cookie only to find that the package in the pantry is empty. haha
- Keep up with your schoolwork. School is the priority.
- Plug phones up in the kitchen…by 9:00 on a school night and 11:00 on the weekends (if not sooner).
- Be honest. I’m always going to find out, so let’s save us all a bit of time and just be truthful.
I’m sure I’m missing a few, but really it’s best to keep it simple with: be kind, be honest, be respectful.
When all else fails, there’s this…right?
Next month:
Next month, we’re sharing a day in the life on the weekend!
We sure hope you will join our link up. We always look forward to it.
I’m hoping for a better week this week, but I’m starting the week battling a sinus infection. Hopefully, I will turn the corner soon!
Thanks so much for reading.
showmeandsweettea.com 
I love the plug the phones in overnight in the kitchen and wish more parents did this. There is nothing more important than sleep for setting you up for success in the classroom. I saw buy an old fashioned alarm clock for the bedroom.
I agree about making the bed. Ours is easy because it’s just a comforter.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hayden used to sneak his chromebook in his room so that’s in the kitchen too 😂
LikeLike
I can relate. So many ways to get online these days, though!
LikeLike
Great rules!
LikeLike
My kids are always leaving empty packages in the pantry!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Drives me crazy!
LikeLike
We had a lot of the same rules when they were younger but I don’t know… now they just sort of do most of them without any reminders or nagging from me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This makes me hopeful for the future 😂
LikeLike
I always make everyone’s bed but have asked my oldest to do her numerous times. I am going to have her watch that video. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s just always nice to check something productive off the list. I just ask them to at least pull the comforter up…& I make it nice and neat on the weekends 😂
LikeLike
That last meme — HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, right? 😂
LikeLike
Those are good rules. We have the no tech in bedrooms at night rule too. It’s just too tempting to the kids. I tell my kids that I will ALWAYS find out too! I know too many people in our small town. My mom said the same thing growing up. I love that “You’re a good mom” meme. It always makes me smile. Thanks for hosting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always tell my kids that more people know who they are even if they don’t know them …& will let me know haha
LikeLike
hehehe! Those memes did make me chuckle, I can relate. My girls are 15 and 20 years old so I get that the rules can just seem like suggestions. My girls are the worst for putting empty food packages back in the cupboard. It’s so annoying.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just found the empty cookie box in the pantry last night! Ugh
LikeLike
Oh gosh, yes, finding a milk jug with just a tablespoon of milk left in it, or an empty package in the cupboard is just so frustrating! Once my kids reached the ‘magical age’ of doing their own laundry (at my house that was 13) it was entirely their responsibility. So freeing for Mom!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is nice that the kids can take on more responsibilities for sure!
LikeLike