FAMILY RULES

Let's face it, a household, like a circus, can be LOTS of fun. But without rules or guidelines, it can be unruly & dangerous.  This is why I created a FAMILY RULES canvas for our home.  I got the idea from the Keepers Ministry website. There are instructions on how to make your own FAMILY RULES canvas, which are very easy to follow.

The gist is that you tear pretty pieces of scrapbook paper into strips and glue them onto a canvas in rows.  You use Mod Podge to seal the paper, and once it's all dry (over night), personalize the canvas with your own set of family rules/guidelines with a paint pen (or vinyl letters, if you'd rather).  Most importantly, use colors & wording that expresses YOUR FAMILY.  Maybe you use funny sayings, or perhaps you only have 2 or 3 rules.  Anything goes.

The goal of our family is to put God first in our lives and in our home. This sounds a bit broad , so I have chosen the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23b) as our "rules".

Love God above all else

Be joyful - laugh & play everyday

Be a peacemaker - forgive others

Have patience with one another

Be kind to everyone - be an encourager

Do good - Let your light shine!

Be faithful - loyal, trustworthy & reliable

Use gentle words & ways

Be self-controlled - quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry

AND....Be thankful - no complaining

Our 24x30 canvas is hung by our family computer work station in our kitchen, right by the breakfast table. You can't miss it!

 OK, now, let's get real.  

Posting Family Rules does NOT insure that they are followed.  What I love about this, though, is it is a great tool for redirecting off-track behavior for EVERYONE in our home.

Did I have patience with my kids today? 

Am I thankful for what I have?  Did I complain about another mess or load of laundry?

**Ok - so maybe the rules are more for me than anyone else.**

If you are not so confident in your crafting skills, I would be happy to make one for you! You can choose 10-12 pieces of your own scrapbook paper that you love, and I will use those.

24x30     $40.00

16x20     $35.00

11x14     $30.00

8x10       $25.00

Here are my LITTLES posing with our Family Rules canvas.  Aren't they getting along nicely? HA! They were just arguing over who was going to stand on which step, so I *patiently* redirected them towards more kind behavior. After all, you can't fight while showing off the Family Rules!!!!!! : )