House Rules

     A while ago I volunteered for an after school program. During that time I came up with a workshop for creating rules that were enforceable. The whole idea was that if we choose our own rules we gain accountability. We started with a list of things we all wanted from others, example: respect. From there we analyse when we feel these. What is being done when we feel these things? example: I feel respect when someone listens to me. We take it one step further. What is a rule we can established based on these feelings. Example: We will take turns to listen and to talk by raising our hands in the classroom and not interupting each other.
   You can apply the concept to different settings and age levels. I think this works well because we understand the reason for the rules and the outcomes if they are followed. The negative consequences become personal. It's not about getting punished but of missing out on feelings we want to have.
   I tried it with the kids and it's been working well. I like treating my children as children of God. I try to remember, I am their caretaker while they pass their trials on earth. My main responsibility is to teach them to solve problems and pass the test of mortality so that one day I can return them to Heavenly Father. I know they will make mistakes. They will fall, but I will teach them to stand up, never give up and always remember their worth.