I am the sort of parent who is "wingin' it" most of the time with temporary efforts on making Chores Charts, Star Charts, Responsibility Lists, Rules Lists... All handwritten lists that I have put up on the fridge through the years. Lists that no one would read or notice more than me. Lists that would be forgotten in less then a day or two as we have a tendency to quickly fall back into bad habits and the chaos that a family of 5 brings on a daily basis. I know. It is my own fault. I just don't have the energy it takes to follow through. There you have it. I'm far from perfect.
So when I saw this sign before Christmas it spoke to me in a second. It was that type of "Saw it - Loved it - Bought it" moments. It was my gift to our family, and maybe I love it more than anyone else but at least this Family Rules list is cool, fun and pretty.
I thought that maybe this sign will help me to relax a little bit more in my mothering and stop being so incredibly serious at all times (You know the: "Have you done your homework for today?", Did you shower yet?, Have you cleaned your room this week? Pick up your socks please? Please move your school bag, shoes and jacket from the floor?, No more snacks, we are having dinner in an hour. etc...). I so wish I could lighten up a bit.
Laugh Out Loud more, Know I Am Loved, Be More Happy and Try New Things instead of being so strict to routines. Our family has always had unspoken rules and more or less we have followed them. But there are times when it feels kind of nice to be able to point at this sign and say:
"Listen. Instead of making fun of your brother/sister maybe you should help him/her. You see here? It is a part of the family rules - Help Each Other. I help you. Maybe you can help someone too."
Sounds good, right? In real life this doesn't happen very often, but I certainly don't regret this purchase. I love the Family Rules sign, I am aiming to use it like I have quoted it above and I am hoping it will subconsciously be printed into my kids brains. Call it brain washing with a good purpose. And maybe they will remember this sign and all the rules one day when they are preparing themselves to have their own children... That would be a great accomplishment. That would make me feel good. A mother can always try...
Kärlek
Annette
Hi Annette just catching up with everyone before rushing out to a conference. Annette I love your sign, it is perfect, like you. I had four boys very close together and used to try and keep as much order as possible but, like you, could never see it through. Now they are grown and I look back on it I am glad that I was like this as we had fun and laughter, some fallouts but we all made up and stayed friends. You are doing a fabulous job Annette, love your blog, have a fabulous day. Sending you big hugs and loves
ReplyDeleteDorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You sound so much like me. I saw myself in most of that post. Would love a sign like that :-)
ReplyDeleteI think if everyone followed these rules the world would be a better place. The sentiments seem simple and yet they are the most important. Compassion and thankfulness and joy are indeed what make a worthwhile life. xxx
ReplyDeleteHaha, your second paragraph sums our family up perfectly, too!! Lovely to know it's not just us! Love the sign, Jen
ReplyDeleteI think here in the States we call it subway art?? There too?? Very popular on Etsy. The few I have I will enjoy for years. Raised twin boys and still remember some of the battles. Only now I smile at the memory.....
ReplyDeleteI always do that too. Make charts....plans.....order....but it always ends in chaos. Story of my life at the moment! But I love your sign. Happy, messy, loved children. That's what it's all about really!
ReplyDeleteHave a super week my friend xxxxx
I need one of those signs too! Perfect for family life. x
ReplyDeleteLove this. It never hurts to remind each and every family member that they are loved. Hugs
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and funny placard ! I love this idea !
ReplyDeleteThank you and have a good day !
Anne-Marie
I really like that sign. We don't have lots of rules here either, though I do find that a daily sticker chart works well for my two. I'm sure your home is full of laughter and love. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Annette,
ReplyDeleteYou have the perfect approach to motherhood. Nobody can be perfect and who would want to be? We all muddle through but if you have love in the family and respect for each other you'll win through. Love your blog.
I love it....and definitely need a sign the same in my house....our family homes sound very similar.....I need to relax more, have fun more....my children need to fight less, and help each other more....I've started plenty of rules, charts, etc, but they've almost all fallen by the wayside, like you....I desperately want more love and laughter in our home.....I hope one day I'll find a sign the same, that I can buy on the spur of the moment.....I think you're a fabulous mum, who clearly gives a lot of love to your family -xXx-
ReplyDeleteThese are great guidelines, love this sign Annette! My family rules have somewhat flown out of the window, having a child on the autistic spectrum has changed what I 'thought' they should be. Loving each other however is top of the list! :) x
ReplyDeleteI think you are doing a wonderful job. There are all kinds for parents because there are all kinds of kids....and I just love you all xx
ReplyDeleteI love your sign and your sensible, down to earth approach. I bought somehting sismilar last year, a smaller hanging sign but with mostly the same "rules" . I think it helps to just see them in black and white, it kind of reinforces what you say.....ie. someone else is saying it too so it must be about right!
ReplyDeleteYour children are very lucky to have such a lovely and talented Mum!
Gill xx
Just the best sign ever x Your words spoke oout to me. I think most of us feel as you do, and I cannot stand my own voice repeating the same things day in and week out. what a wonderful thing you have purchased, with great sentiments. Laugh out loud more. Thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteI have seen this type of sign all over the internet for some time now and SO badly want to buy it. My sister made one on a big canvased frame, it turned out really great but so far no effort from me to do the same....maybe one day. I really loved reading this post. Its as if you are describing my home and the type if mother I think I am as well. Guess there are many of us out there that think we to are "winging it", love that term bc it rings so true.
ReplyDeleteHope the upcoming week is good to you.
-Birgitta