Our House Rules *some may shock you!*

She looks like a crazy woman, look at her hair, how to talk, she pressures her anger and I am suspicious about her attitudes with her children

All four of my sons are grown. I had most of the same rules as you have and my days went pretty smooth. I think having rules are necessary.

Thank you for shielding your child’s face. The extra editing effort is worth it. Great vid btw!!

We have a no whistleing in the house. All toy horns whistle and noise makers are only used outside.

There is absolutely nothing to be shocked about.. at least for me
With this video I understand that we as a family of 5 have a lot of rules that I didn’t even consider rules.. it just came naturally - for example when my kids have a friend over, there is absolutely no way they are entering or playing in the master badroom 🙌🏻

I was listening to this in our kitchen while shutting everything down for the night- we were literally shocked how we have 90% of the same house rules. This made me feel more sane and like we must be kindred spirits. 😂

Watched a couple of your videos now and I feel comfortable in saying you are a control freak and your children will hate you and have issues as they grow. I don't want to know what you'll be like as a mom of teenagers.

Too many rules r tedious and u quickly become a controlling not fun mum,but boundaries r important.

One rule we have is no toys allowed in the bedroom. We talk about our bedrooms as a space for rest and relaxation. We only allow stuffed animals and books.

Hi Sarah, I love your rules, I believe children need rules and boundaries growing up. I believe it teaches them respect and consideration of others. The bedroom rule is important. When I was married, we always had the bedroom rule. I did not like anyone coming into our room. I felt it was our private space where we could go to be alone and if others went in there, I felt they were disrespecting our privacy. It didn’t feel right to share that space with anyone else, even my child. If you ask anyone with a teenager in the house if they ever go into they’re teenagers room, I think you will find that a large volume of people would not because the teenager needs a space of they’re own where they can go for privacy and to feel safe. So why did you get grief from your followers for your rules, when they must relate to most of them. When we all live together rules are paramount for privacy being the most important rule. The other rules you mentioned were awesome, it’s a shame a lot of parents today feel that rules aren’t necessary. Unfortunately there is a growing number of parents that have this mind set that children should grow up free, free to be them and do what they want irrespective of the rest of the household, and this is where families are falling apart. They have no structure without boundaries, no one does. Being a family like yours teaches children structure and this is what will carry them into adulthood. It will help them to become good citizens, students, law abiding, good colleagues in the workplace etc etc so good on you. I respect you.

It's the bare minimum but I love that you BLUR your kids' faces. Same for the not eating alone rule. I wouldn't always eat at the table and I carried that into adulthood. But when I did eat at the table with family I really enjoyed it.

I saw a great idea
Folding loundry on an iron board so you dont have to lean over the bed❤

Omg girl! I thought you were gone! So good to see you!

Omggg I love the dinner is a secret rule! We start that TOMORROW lol. I tried explaining that the question of “what’s for dinner” over and over gets me overstimulated … like “why’s it matter what’s for dinner??” You’re gonna eat it or you’re gonna starve!😂😂😂

All day snacking was new to me when we moved to the States! In NZ (and Aus) where I'm from, most families have a "morning tea" and "afternoon tea" which doesn't necessarily involve tea but it's a set snack time in the morning and afternoon usually fruit, crackers, maybe some baking. I lived in France for a time and they are more strict with mealtimes - no morning snack but a big lunch at 12, then an afternoon "goûter" at 4pm. Kids' hunger levels adjust to the time they are allowed to eat, if you keep it routine!

Where is your dress from? It’s so cute, I love it!!

Wow. I’m so glad that I’m not part of this OCD, authoritarian household. Let the kids be kids and stay off the internet, Sarah. Maybe you will learn to loosen up and enjoy life a bit more.

I thought this was Sarah beeston !! 😮 y’all are twins !!
@jacksuuny

Your 1st rule is such a validation for me. I never understood why I didn’t like my boys in my room. They get wild and within 5 minutes my clothes are on the floor, the bed is jumped on and sheets undone and I’m stepping on toys. Not to mention they ALWAYS find a way to hurt themselves in there. I always tell them to please play elsewhere. It overstimulates me so much. I never thought to implement as an actual rule!

& now i really wonder how you implement these rules without being overly controlling or punishing your children? I would assume the goal is for your children to become free and responsible but like hoooow do you do that with these rules? I mean some make sense but some others… I am really curious!

I’m curious if you travel yourself or what you do for you outside of the family if anything. From a woman who would like to eventually parent in a lot of similar ways despite having different views/values in life, I would lose my sanity if I didn’t make time for me outside of being a mom.

Why do you not allow you children to hangout with you in your room? That’s so sad

I love all you do to protect your energy and give your kids clear expectations!

Every house runs a bit different .we had many rules one was don’t put your elbows on the table.

I love the Dinner is a Secret rule! I have 3 teenagers and it’s so overwhelming when they’re watching me cook and wanting to know what’s for dinner. Wish I had started this rule when they were little.

I know a family who's really strict and it's caused PTSD and mental problems in some of their kids, but not all of them, just certain ones. Like some kids get really anxious and can't make decisions on their own, others just rebel against everything, and some become perfectionists who are scared to mess up. It seems like being too focused on rules can really mess kids up long-term, but it hits each kid differently. So being super strict doesn't work for every family or every child.

I don’t have kids, I bet rules are needed and i agree with most of these because I’m a bit OCD and I value my private space a lot. Some of these rules seem a bit harsh haha. Like the snacking time. I’ve always been skinny but snack a lot and i did this as a child too 😂. If someone told me i had certain hours for snacking I’d probably go to my neighbors 😅. I’m joking obviously. I’m sure the kids are well fed

my biggest rule is no talking in the car, so many children in such a tiny space is so noisy, overwhelming, and dangerous at times. We can sing along to music, listen to a podcast, look out the window, or sometimes take turns talking. They are free to talk and chatter to their hearts content as soon as we get out the car but the little arguments and everyone talking in such a small space was too much for me

Delayed gratification is good for children!

I also would love to know how you implement rules, especially new rules. Do you ever get push back? What’s your approach?

I have a husband and two kids and I would KILL to eat a meal alone, without noise and getting up from the table 100 times for the kids… love my family but, just sayin’

Wow! I actually have most of the same rules, and 100% agree on what a difference it makes in our home. Thank you for the video 💕

Is this a commercial?

Where are your bedroom pillows from?? They look so comfortable! Do you have links? The bedding looks cozy also! What kind of mattress do you have? ❤

House rules: ask before you open an outside door, everyone sits at the table for meals even if you are done you wait till everyone is done, no toys at the table, bathroom talk is for the bathroom, outside rule sand stays with sand rocks stay with rocks etc

Here are some of mine:

Kids clean their own rooms and complete chores daily.

Use kind words.

I have all these rules but no one follows them. ADHD husband and son.

Watching your toddlers hands try to mimic you as you formed the sourdough bagels was so sweet. ❤️
What a precious moment.

Blue land dishwasher tablets are fine, but they are a toxic greenwashed company 😔. 100% agree with the master bedroom rule. I am super strict about any books being left on the floor after use. I want my kids to respect what they're given. I have to try that soap rule!
Kids: what are we eating?
Me: food.
Kids: what kind of food?
Me: edible food 🤣

Hi Sarah. Thank you for a nice video. Regarding fixing your books, I would reccomend fixing them by using "Filament tape" on the inside of the book. It is much stronger, and will keep the outside of the book nicer :)

Strong content (beautiful sharing) thank you ST