Almost Easter, where is the year going? First a quick reminder that we are already taking names for our next parenting course due to start in October 2025, dates to be arranged. We will be running it on Friday mornings, from 9.15 - 11.15 for 10 weeks.

Today, I thought I would talk about family rules, such a little thing with such a huge impact. Some people may feel uncomfortable with the word 'rules', you can replace this with guidelines, agreement, contract or code, whatever suits you. Family rules are for ALL of the family, not just the children. How could we possibly expect them to abide by a rule if we don't. Family rules should be a working document and when one rule is firmly embedded into the family routine, another one can be added. Family rules should be simple and achievable, for example - 'do put your shoes away in the cupboard when you come into the house', every one, including grownups, then has to put their shoes away. There should always be a reward and a penalty for each rule and this could be as simple as a sticker on a chart, the penalty would be no sticker. Another rule might be - ' do get out of the bath when asked', the reward could be an extra story at bedtime and the penalty could be that they won't get an extra story at bedtime. Another rule might be [children will often suggest this one] 'no shouting', this could be written down as, 'do use your quiet voice when speaking with each other' this could be rewarded with 5 extra minutes of screen time or the penalty could be losing 5 minutes of screen time (this would be the reward for the whole day, not every time they used their quiet voices).

Allow your children to be part of the rule making, choose a time when every one in the house can get together around a table and discuss the rules, have snacks and drinks to make it a special occasion. Make the rules as positive as possible by starting it with the word 'DO', this will make it clear what you really want to see. Let your children contribute to the rules and when the rules are written, let every member of the family sign the rules to say that they have agreed, if they can't write, let them do a thumb print. To start with only choose 2 - 3 rules otherwise it will just be too overwhelming and difficult for you all to stick to. 

And finally, our positive thought of the week:

A family doesn't need to be perfect, it just needs to be united.

If you have a parenting concern, you can contact Mrs Easty via the school office - admin@burlingtoni.org.uk