Suggested Rules Based on Mutual Respect and Personal Responsibility
Rodney King once asked the plaintive question, “Can’t we all just get along?”
Although Mr. King’s question was directed toward a racially diverse world, getting along with others starts in the home. If you can’t live harmoniously with your own family, how do you expect to live with roommates, or get along with people at work or in your neighborhood?
When my nephew moved in with our family, it occurred to me that although we have had no problems living with our own children, he had been raised in a different household; the “unwritten rules” that we live by may have been different for him. So, I decided to write down the rules that I felt were most important to help us all get along.
When I finished, I brought the list home and asked everyone in the house to read them. I then provided an opportunity to discuss the rules and make any changes, including additions or deletions, that were necessary. This enabled everyone in the house to feel that they contributed to the set of rules, and we came to a quick agreement to adopt the rules.
Please note – these are the rules in my house. Whether you have adult children living in your home, other family members coming to stay for a long period of time, or just guests arriving for the holidays, I encourage you to make your own list of house rules available to all who will be staying. Setting expectations up front can save a lot of drama and heartache!