Follow the Rules

original photo by D. Sharon Pruitt via Flickr

If you’re new here, please look around. Each week, I ask Awesomely Awake readers to dedicate space and time to one conscious, mindful parenting intention. These intentions are meant to get you thinking more consciously as a parent, open your mind to new ideas and help your parenting journey be a little happier and easier.

You know those rules you’re rattling off all day and all night. You know, turn out the lights. Put your shoes away. Pick up your toys. Don’t put your elbows on the table. No more sweets. No more TV. No snacks before dinner. Get your work done before you play. Be nice. Show respect. No yelling. Use nice words.

I bet the lists can go on and on. We expect so much of our children.

And yet I often wonder about those rules and how they apply to us, the adults.

This week, let’s focus on the rules we’re setting both for our children and for ourselves. Do we, as adults, follow the same rules? Do we need the same rules?

Let’s focus this week on how these commands enter our home lives and how they end up staying around, in some cases way too long. Let’s take a long hard look at all of the rules that are ruling our lives. This goes for those rules at work you have to follow and those rules on the road as well. Pay close attention and see how you feel about rules yourself. Do you like them? Hate them? Do you follow them?

How many times have you told your kids to stop watching TV and then as soon as they are tucked safely out of sight or in bed, you’re turning it on to catch up with the latest HGTV House Hunters or ESPN scores?

Or, what about the rule of no candy or no soda but yet you can be found periodically sneaking into a secret stash somewhere in your pantry pulling out a handful of chocolate.

Start a list of all the rules you yell out all week long to the kids. Write them down. Make a running list. You’ll need that list later this week. It’s very important that you start this list right now and keep adding to it. Put a check mark next to the rules that you follow yourself.

Is there a rule limiting the amount of computer time or cell phone for the kids on your list?

Huh. Interesting.

• If you like this post, please be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter Wake Up, which sends a new and unique intention every Monday to your inbox. Emails are promised to be short but inspiring for you to keep living a mindful, relaxed family life.
• Family life is the ultimate to the Awesomely Awake community. If you need new ideas to do as a family, get your copy of my book The Playful Family, which encourages families to connect and engage through play.
• Finally, I’m teaching my first e-course this October for families. The course is a creative writing course that encourages creative freedom and expression. You will walk away from the class more fearless than ever all while enjoying time as a family — or for just yourself! And, this course is PAY WHAT YOU WANT. Sign up now.