Rules Learned as a Child | Everyday Life – Global Post

Personal Safety
Most of the rules you have for your child are to protect them from accidental injury and from other people. The National Crime Prevention Council advises that one of the most important ways to protect your child is to teach them to be wary of dangerous circumstances. This can include recognizing suspicious behavior from other children and adults and learning to say no if they are asked to keep a secret or disobey their parents. A common rule that most children are taught is not to talk to strangers and to run away for help from a trusted adult if they are approached.

Family Rules
Rules at home are typically made to help siblings and family members get along and to respect each other’s belongings. Family rules could include speaking politely, eating at the dinner table and not wearing shoes inside. They could also include your child’s responsibilities, such as making his bed, cleaning his room, helping with the dishes and finishing his homework before playing on the computer. The Raising Children Network recommends that parents should keep rules consistent among all children so that each child will know what is expected of them. Additionally, adults in the household should also follow family rules. That will help your child be respectful at home and take responsibility for his behavior.

Social Interaction
Children learn social rules both directly and indirectly while playing with their siblings and other children. The website Childhoods Today notes that many of the social rules that guide children during play are unwritten as children learn how to have fun with their playmates. They might learn that if they do not share their toys, for instance, other children will not play with them. You might also have rules that help your child develop social skills. For example, rules such as including a younger sibling during playtime, helps your child develop patience, cooperation and compromise with others. These rules for social interactions during childhood are important for lifelong relationships.

Playing Sports
Playing a team sport allows your child to learn and develop skills that help boost his self-esteem, leadership and time-management abilities. Sports involve rules to play the game and rules of interaction between teammates and competing teams. This includes treating coaches and players with respect, giving everyone a fair chance to play and working together as a team. The Raising Children Network notes that watching sporting events also has rules. The way you speak, cheer and show disappointment during a game teaches your child sportsmanship. These rules are important to teach respect, encouragement, discipline and cooperation in all life situations.

Rules Learned as a Child | Everyday Life – Global Post