1. FAMILY RULES Introduce yourself and the presentation title.
Let the audience know whether or not you can take questions during or at the end of the presentation (time permitting).
Presenters will see notes to cover information at the bottom of each slide.
BEGIN:
This is a presentation for parents about Family Rules….it is for parents and caretakers of pre-school and elementary age children.

2. DEFINITION: Family Rules are continually evolving guidelines developed by a family that set boundaries for appropriate and acceptable behavior by all family members.

3. Family Rules Help Families
Run Smoothly * Teach Right from Wrong
Make Right Choices * Appropriate Behavior
Why? You may ask yourself.
Family Rules:
Are the Single Most important part of helping children learn right from wrong
Teach children what is appropriate and acceptable behavior to mom and dad
Help children learn to make right choices within the family and ultimately within their schools and community

4. FAMILY RULES? BUT I DON’T UNDERSTAND. . .
NOTE:
Children begin to understand the idea of “Family Rules” around two years of age.
However, even very young children love being praised for doing the right thing.

5. Purpose of Family Rules:
Provide a family with an agreed upon set of guidelines
Provide a family with a stable, consistent and fair environment for children and adults
Can be revisited regularly and changed to meet the needs of a growing family

6. Rights of Children and Parents in Every Family:
Every member in a family has the right to live within the family without fear and violence.
Every member in a family has the right to live with a sense of security and of being nurtured, especially children by their parents.
Every member in a family has the right to know the rules of engagement within their individual family, and the consequences for breaking those rules.

7. Steps for Establishing Family Rules
Every member of the family must participate
Identify family issues that needs set rules
Brainstorm a list of rules wanted
Identify DOs and DO NOTs
Keep each rule simple and specific
Identify Consequences and/or reward for rules
Limit family rules to about 5 maximum
Drop and add new rules as needed
Always be CONSISTENT!

8. Rules of Family Rules Special Note:
Family Rules Must be Clear
Family Rules Must be Consistent
Family Rules Must be Fair
Family Rules Should have all family members input
Family Rules Should be appropriate & respectful
Family Rules Should be adjusted as the family changes
Family Rules Should always be written down & visible
Family Rules are for every member of the family
Special Note:
Children are never to put a parent on punishment!
When a parent breaks a rule – the parent can give him or herself the consequences, however, allow the child to witness it.
By doing this the child begins to understand fairness and that everyone has rules they have to follow.

9. Thank You!
Newport News Office on Children, Youth & Families
12284 Warwick Blvd., Suite 2-A Newport News, VA 23606
(757) Office
Thank you for attending today’s workshop on “Family Rules.” I hope that this has been an informative session and will help you and your family as you grow together.