Rules At Home
Every night before bed, someone in your house probably says "brush your teeth" or "lights out." Those are rules! Your home has rules just like a classroom does, and they help everyone stay safe and happy.
What You'll Learn
- Why families make rules - The difference between a rule and just a request - Who makes the rules at home - What happens when a rule is broken
Why Do Families Make Rules?
Rules keep people safe. A rule like "hold the railing on the stairs" stops someone from falling. Rules also help a house run smoothly. If everyone just did whatever they wanted whenever they wanted, mealtimes, bedtimes, and chores would be chaos! Some home rules are about safety (no touching the stove), some are about kindness (no hitting your sibling), and some are about responsibility (put your toys away).
Who Makes the Rules?
In most homes, grown-ups like parents, grandparents, or guardians make the rules because they are responsible for keeping everyone in the house safe. But kids can help too! Many families have a meeting where everyone gets to suggest a rule, like "we take turns picking the dinner" or "we say please and thank you."
A rule at home is made by your family. A law is made by the government and applies to everyone in a town, state, or country. Breaking a law can mean bigger consequences than breaking a home rule, but both exist to keep people safe.
What Happens When a Rule Is Broken?
When someone breaks a rule, there is usually a consequence. A consequence is not the same as a punishment for being "bad" -- it's what naturally follows an action. If a rule is "put dishes in the sink" and you leave your plate on the couch, the consequence might be that you have to clean the whole kitchen counter as a helper task. Good rules are usually explained, not just handed down. When you understand WHY a rule exists, it's much easier to follow it.
Match each home rule to the reason it probably exists.
Terms
Definitions
Drag terms onto their definitions, or click a term then click a definition to match.
Build Your Own Family Rule Chart
Draw a chart with 3 columns: Rule, Reason, What Happens If Broken. Fill in at least 4 real rules from your own home (ask a grown-up if you're not sure). Decorate the chart and hang it somewhere everyone in your house can see it.
Why do most families have rules about bedtime?
What is the main difference between a home rule and a law?
Flashcards — click each card to reveal the answer
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