A family that works together grows together.
1. No eating in Bedrooms or Living room.
2. If bedrooms are found messy twice in a week; No extra privileges.
3. No T.V. if bedrooms are not cleaned.
4. Homework is done after chores.
5. No phone calls before 9 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
6. No long distance calls with out Phone Card.
7. T.V. or Radios are not allowed on after 11 p.m.
8. If you make a mess don't expect others to clean after you, whether it is your chore or not; Clean It Up !
9. If your help is needed, Stop what you are doing and lend a hand.
10. No slamming doors, or destruction of other's property....
These Ruls are designed to help all that dwell under this roof; to live in harmony
Additional Rules in this home are:
Respect is mandated at any age, if you give it.... you will receive it.
There is only one person in the bathroom at a time
No horseplay such as tickling or wrestling.
Everyone is required to wear bathrobes or sweats around the house if not fully dressed.
No incoming call are allowed from your friends, but you are allowed to call out with permission...
Bedroom doors are to remain open until "Quiet Time".
Quiet Time for Children is 7:30 p.m. (ages 0 ~ 10 )
Quite Time for Pre~ Adults is 8:00 p.m. (ages 11 ~ 12 )
Quite Time for Young Adults, 13 years and above; in your rooms at 9:00 p.m. ~ lights out at 11 p.m.
Unspoken Rules that we all take for granted, sometimes has to be reminded...
Such as:
Close the bathroom door while using it.. whether you are just brusing your teeth or Zit picking..
Don't let your eyes be bigger than your stomach.... Waste not ~ Want not.......
Wait your turn to speak, for others have things to say also.......
Eye contact is appreciated when spoken to ........
It's rude to ease drop on other peoples conversations....
Trust builds confidence ....... be honest with yourself and others.
I do make special exceptions to all my rules as I see fit,
but I find it works fantastic to be PERSISTENT with all of them.
Teaching Children About Your House Rules
House rules are simple. House rules are expectations of family members need to act in order to keep the house functioning and to keep family members comfortable and safe. Rules should apply equally to all members of the family.
House rules can also avert power struggles. Foster parents can invoke the rules as an impartial judge that all family members have to follow.
I choose to tell my children the rules as things come up. This is especially effective with young children.
But for those of you that have older children, they may appreciate knowing your rules and guidelines fairly early in the placement. As your walking a child through the house showing them the facilities stress where the rules are displayed.
Most certifiers ask to see the foster families rules posted where children can read them. I have a copy of my rules posted in the bedrooms; hall doors and a place I know they can't miss it.. on the refrigerator door :o)
Some homes use a regular house or family meeting to discuss rules and expectations. How you tell children the rules will depend on your family, but it is important to make the rules clear to children.
Suggested House Rules for Foster Homes
Bedrooms:
Children are to sleep in their own beds.
Bedroom doors are to remain open until quiet time.
All family members are to knock before entering bedrooms and wait for permission to enter
About The House:
It is a good idea to require bathrobes or sweats around your house for all family members. If you are working with a certain age group, buy them ahead of time and keep them available and let the children know that this is not a option!
Tell them that walking around naked, partially clothed or in your underwear causes embarrassment or anxiety for all family members.
Horseplay:
Reduce or eliminate horseplay such as tickling or wrestling. While these behaviors are not bad in themselves, ticking can be coercive, and wrestling is often the starting point for more intimate behavior. Instead of wrestling, channel kids into lots of physical activities that are appropriate.
Sexual Talk:
Monitor sexual talk between children in the home. Talk openly about sexual matters, but make sure it is developmentally appropriate and respectful. Talk to children about what is appropriate and supervise children appropriately.
Personal Touch:
We all want to make a new child feel loved and welcomed. But when children first come in your home, be respectful even with young children, ask permission to touch. Children need to know what is not acceptable, but they also need to be sensitized to good, nurturing touch. Go slow. Side hugs, brushing hair, pats on the back, tag: all are less intrusive touches that most children can handle. Allow children to say no to touch and don't be hurt if a child are uncomfortable with hugs. You are a stranger to them, and they have been taught to fear you.
Just remember to state the House Rules.
Repeat the appropriate house rule or expectation if it applies. Start with something like, "In this house...." Or "The rule is..." or "We expect everyone in our family to..." Be direct but don't lecture.
In my home this is
"What's Expected"
