WHAT DO I DO IN MY HOUSE?
Here are a few more practical guidelines I found helpful in raising our children and which I still continue today. I know you may have different priorities, because we are all different, but here are some of mine.1. I don’t allow children to jump on the furniture and on their beds. This does not teach our children how to care for things or how to act in someone else’s home.
2. I don’t allow children to eat food in their bedrooms or anywhere in the house except at the dining room table or in the kitchen. This only makes so much more work for you in cleaning house—crumbs around the house and marks on the carpet etc.
3. I allowed my children to be “children” and didn’t get at them for many of the stupid and childish things they did. However, I disciplined for disobedience, willfulness, rebellion, lying, and things that God hates.
4. I trained the children to do their chores with a smile and a good attitude. They would be given another task until they showed the right attitude. Of course, they learn this mostly from YOUR OWN ATTITUDE TOWARD WORK. You show by your actions and attitude that you LOVE WORK, and it is a God-given blessing.
5. I expect everyone to be at the dinner table on time! Not coming when they feel like it. They must be there the moment I call, although usually by this time the children are in the kitchen with you helping you with the meal and putting it on the table.
6. I expect ALL children and EVERYONE living in our home to join us for family devotions. One time, a young man was staying with us for a week or so. The night before he left, he said he wouldn’t have time for Bible reading and prayer as he wanted to pack his bag. It was only an excuse as he had done nothing all day and had plenty of time after devotions, I certainly didn’t let him off the hook!
7. I don’t allow the children to jump up and down during the mealtime but to stay seated until the end.
8. I don’t allow children to whisper to someone privately at the table or to have their own conversations while others are talking. That is rude. We all focus on the one conversation so we can enjoy “togetherness.”
9. I don’t allow chewing gum in my home. Please understand that this is not a “thus saith the Lord.” It is my preference. I simply cannot stand finding chewing gum stuck to the floor or under chairs etc. I’ve scraped it off too many times! Therefore, I don’t allow it in the home. Period. Personally, I don’t like to see people chewing gum anyway. I don’t think it equates with royalty, and aren’t we training our children to be princes and princesses in God’s royal kingdom?
10. When the children grew older and were still living at home, I expected them to be home for the evening meal and family devotions unless they let me know in time and it was a valid excuse. I expected them (and still expect anyone living in our home) to tell me where they are going and what time they will be home. And I have certain time guidelines for them to be in at night.
Does this sound rather rigid? No, they are underlying guidelines so we can be free to enjoy life together in peace and happiness. I am sure you have many other ideas to share.
Be blessed,
Nancy Campbell
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