Thompson House Rules

1. Do what you’re told when you’re told.
This is rule number one, because I hate repeating myself, and I refuse to ask and ask and ask and badger and threaten and demmand and yell and cajole my kids to do something before they actually do it.

2. Don’t lie.
Yeah...this one is easy to understand, and they're all pretty good about it.

3. Clean up the mess you make.
This is actual messy mess messes, and the other, personal, emotional messes...apologise, hug and make good again.

4. Do what’s right.
This is the catchall meant to cover almost everything. And for the most part, it does (but I have good easy kids)

5. No whining
Whining is very annoying, and entirely non-productive. We use this one alot.

At first, we just had the 5, but as needs arose, we had to add more....

6. No pouting.
This one is Henry's...when he couldn't whine anymore, he started pouting. Nipped that in the bud.

7. No Fighting.
We quickly realised that this wasn't really covered anywhere. Argue, dissagree-- Yes--fight? No.

8. Be happy.
This one is for my Emma. She's a bit of a drama queen and very melodramatic. Sullen for no reason is not acceptable in my world.

9. No jumping on the furniture
Yeah...this is why we have a trampoline in the backyard.

10. No annoying people on purpose.
Again...easy to see why this one had to be put in here. Also known as "don't make itch"

They're good rules, and cover almost everything that comes up in our daily doings. Plus I have the luxury of offering a gentle "Emma, numbers 6 and 8 sweetie." Instead of having to screech "Emma! Would you stop pouting and grumoing around?! You're being a BRAT!!!"

A little more polite....which is my goal.

That and take over the world.