30 Old-School Parenting Rules That Still Apply
Tried-and-true childrearing wisdom never goes out of style.
We walked to school alone, rode our bikes across town, and knew talking back to our parents was a really bad idea. While a lot may have changed for kids today, one thing remains the same: Plenty of old-fashioned parenting advice is as pertinent as ever. After all, our parents and grandparents got a lot right (you turned out pretty good, didn’t you?). In a world where over-indulgence and self-centered behavior seems all-too-common, here’s how to raise ‘em right.
Be consistent.
If you say “you two need to stop fighting or you’re going to bed,” follow through.
Eat together.
Can’t make it happen on weeknights? Sunday breakfasts count, too.
RELATED: 50 Little Social Etiquette Rules Everyone Should Follow
Let kids fail.
If he forgot about the science fair tomorrow, it’s not your job to run out and buy supplies tonight. Kids need to understand that someday you won’t be there to bail them out.
Send them outside to play.
Fresh air never hurt anyone.
Establish house rules.
It doesn’t matter what their friends’ parents allow. It’s your house.
Saying, “Because I’m the parent” is okay sometimes.
No, you don’t have to explain/ justify/ negotiate every decision you make.
Take away privileges.
Naturally, there will be wailing, but that’s the point, isn’t it? Kids need to understand consequences.
Let kids be bored.
It’s absolutely our responsibility to feed, clothe, and protect our kids. Provide them with entertainment 24/7? Not so much.
Carve out grown-up time.
Get over your guilt-trip; sometimes you need adults-only time to reconnect and recharge.
Establish a regular bedtime.
Everybody’s cranky—including you— without enough sleep.
Refuse to be a short order cook.
Kids always have two choices for meals: Take it or leave it.
Don’t let kids speak disrespectfully to you (or anyone else).
And don’t speak disrespectfully to them.
Insist on good manners.
Help your kids stand out—in a good way—by teaching them basic etiquette. Niceties such as saying “please” and chewing with your mouth closed are lost arts (just look around you next time you’re out!).
Assign every family member chores.
Even the littlest kids can do something to help out.
Set a good example.
Yep, you really do have to practice what you preach.
Don't let them interrupt when adults are talking.
And don’t butt in when it’s their turn to talk.
Be a parent, not a friend.
Have fun together, but know when to be the grown up. Parenting isn’t a popularity contest; the truth is that if your kids “hate” you sometimes, you’re probably doing something right!
Cook and bake together.
It’s a way to bond and teach them real-life skills.
Tell your family's story.
Talk about how their grandparents met. Show them photos of you as a kid. Explain how your family history is unique.
Create traditions.
Maybe they think they’re silly now, but we promise they’ll be special memories someday.
Arricca Elin SanSone writes for CountryLiving.com, WomansDay.com, Family Circle, MarthaStewart.com, Cooking Light, Parents.com, and many others. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, Polish pottery, vintage cookbooks, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
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