(Compiled by Jamsco. I am not a very inflexible father, but these things I’m pretty unyielding on)
1. I don’t always get to do what God does, you don’t always get to do what Mom or I do.
2. Likewise, you don’t always get to do what your brother/sister does.
3. The only things you kick are balls outside.
4. I believe that you love your doll or stuffed animal, but Daddy only kisses or hugs people.
5. Except for kissing, don’t touch other people’s faces.
6. Unless you are sitting on it or cleaning it, there is never a reason to touch a toilet.
7. Wrestling is Pain. I will try to prevent hospital trip injuries, but do not join in the fray if you’re not willing to handle a skinned elbow or twisted arm.
8. Never ever wake up a sleeping brother or sister unless specifically told to by one of your parents.
9. If you find yourself repeatedly making a loud noise, with your voice or an implement, be aware that it is most likely annoying to someone. Don’t.
10. Do not say anything bad about anybody in our family to someone outside our family.
11. When singing, it is always annoying to everyone else if you intentionally sing faster than everyone else. Don’t.
12. The only thing you should step on is the floor, the ground, or a stool. (i.e. not books, papers, toys, furniture, or your brother)
13. Don’t say anything bad about food that your Mom has made for you.
Any suggestions for number 14- 20? Or do you think I’m being too rigid on any of these?
10 comments
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February 7, 2007 at 2:15 am
pk
Something I say frequently: When Mom or I tell you to do something, you need to obey “all the way, right away.” That covers both the quality and the timing.
February 7, 2007 at 8:19 pm
fundyreformed
Jamsco,
You may need to qualify number 5!!!
February 11, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Father of 9
I love them, can I use them. Of course since you posted them you can’t stop me. Thanks
February 26, 2007 at 9:25 am
Honest Fatherhood « The Responsible Puppet
[…] Also, see Rule Number 1 here. > […]
March 17, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Bobspotted Blogroll: February 13, 2007 « Fundamentally Reformed
[…] A frined from Bethlehem has started blogging under the name Jamsco. His blog (The Responsible Puppet) is exploring some of the issues involved with Calvinism as well as providing other food for thought. As a good friend I’m putting him on my blogroll. But you all should enjoy his stuff as well. Hey, anyone who is raising 6 kids for God is worth listening to! Check out some of his house-rules! […]
April 6, 2007 at 12:04 pm
Marie
Breakfast. Lunch. Snack. Dinner. That is enough food.
(I have three teenage sons).
April 6, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Prophetic Musings : 13 Rules from a Father to his 2 children
[…] adapting this from The Responsible Puppet, by way of The Evangelical Outpost. Good stuffI don’t always get to do what God does, you […]
April 7, 2007 at 11:25 am
Renee P
Why no touching faces? I can understand ‘no fingers up noses or in ears or eyes’ but touching a person’s face is some of the most powerful positive touch of all.
Marie, I understand. Completely. Tell your boys that if they want more food they need to grow a garden, hunt a deer, or get a job! 🙂
April 11, 2007 at 11:14 am
jamsco
Marie, thanks for your comment. As you might guess from my list, my kids are all under 10, so I haven’t really experienced the food cruch yet (although we do go through 7 1/2 dozen eggs a week)
Maybe I’ll have to make another list in five years or so.
April 11, 2007 at 11:16 am
jamsco
Renee, I guess it isn’t universal, but generally any way that a five year old touches another persons face seems disrespectful for me. I imagine this might be very different in other cultures.