1. Don't start a fight. You cannot throw the first punch, or the instigating words. A fight can cause physical harm. Those starting fights get spanked. Taunting your brother or sister is the same as starting a fight, but punching the neighborhood bully for taunting them is not.
2. No tattling unless someone got hurt or will get hurt if you don't tattle. If you tattle about "nothing" (she took my toy and won't give it back!) you get in the same trouble as the person breaking a house rule. The exception to this is someone wanting you to keep a "secret".
3. Mom & Dad's bedroom is always off limits unless a child is specifically called into the bedroom for a specific reason - no one but mom & dad go in the master bedroom. The exception is on Saturday morning we all get ON the bed and cuddle, tickle and catch up on the week. Breaking this rule grounds you off game systems or TV for an appropriate time.
4. No one will act like a sissy in this house. You are strong intelligent kids. No whining, no tantrums, no emotinal outbursts with the intent of getting your own way. You will behave consistent with your gender. Everyone keeps the hair color God gave them until they are grown and out of the house. Fingernails and hair will be kept clean and appropriate in length for your age and gender. Mom and Dad will determine what is appropriate length for you.
5. If it isn't yours, don't touch it. If you have specific permission to touch it, treat it with respect. If you don't and something happens to it, you are responsible to repair or replace it.
6. You are welcome to eat what I fix or to choose not to eat. You do not have the option of fixing something else -- this is not a restaurant. When I made dinner, I took into consideration any allergies. Your menu choices are "eat" or "starve".
7. Keep your hands and body parts to yourself. You will not intimidate someone else with your body. You will not inflict unwanted affection on a family member. You will not rub body parts on someone else to torment them. You will purport yourself like ladies and gentlemen physically. Don't play with yourself in my living room. Nobody wants to see that. Try the bathroom! While we are at it, you do not need the whole couch sit up and keep your body parts to yourself.
8. Stay out of your sister or brother's room unless it is also your room. Stay out of your siblings items. (see #5)
9. I am your parent. I am not your friend. I do not care if you like me, you will obey anyway. I will not only allow you to suffer the consequences of your actions, I will discipline you too. I was entrusted by God to bring you up to be MEN and WOMEN, not children. I will do what is necessary to make that happen.
