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New Johnson Family House Rules

by Donna Maria

My eight year old daughter is far more organized than I was at her age. She likes to make lists. In fact, on Friday nights, she often makes a list of all the things everyone in the house needs to do on the following Saturday. Much of the time, the lists focus on toys she wants us to buy, television shows she wants to watch or friends she wants to play with. But this past Saturday, the list was different.

Johnson House Rules

As I read her list, I a lump begin to form in my throat because it reminded me of all the things I want to teach her, and also of how I fall short as a mom. I taped them to the refrigerator. I smile each time I see them, so I thought I would share them with you.

  1. Respect others.
  2. Try not to yell.
  3. Do not fight.
  4. Have fun.
  5. Take a break from the computer.
  6. Mommy help clean up. (I don’t like this one …)
  7. Figure stuff out.
  8. Play fair.
  9. Go to bed on time.
  10. Don’t disturb anyone.
  11. Love each other.

I am so in love with that little girl.

Question: I think she covered most everything we need, not only around here, but also in life. What do you think?

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posted on December 16, 2009 ·

Facebook comments:

  • Alyssa

    Absolutely precious! I'm sure you'll treasure that always.

  • http://www.sagescript.com/ Cindy Jones

    Its so nice that she is understanding things like respect at this age! Be sure to save it for when she is a teenager! I do think kids like lists though, when my son's were little they would like to write shopping lists.

  • http://www.awildsoapbar.com/ soapbartender

    I love how kids cut right to the heart of the matter. These are awesome rules to live by! Are you sure she wasn't saying “help mommy clean”?

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    I love you for trying to give mommy the benefit of the doubt. Cleaning up is not mommy's strong suit, and it didn't take her daughter long to figure that out — a la Rule #7. LOL!

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    Yes, it's definitely scrapbook material. Thanks!

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    Yes, they do! I intend to encourage my daughter's list making! Maybe we'll read this one at her college graduation. Or better yet, when she's valedictorian, we can fish it out and she can use it to write her speech!!

  • http://www.awildsoapbar.com/ soapbartender

    I love how kids cut right to the heart of the matter. These are awesome rules to live by! Are you sure she wasn't saying “help mommy clean”?

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    I love you for trying to give mommy the benefit of the doubt. Cleaning up is not mommy's strong suit, and it didn't take her daughter long to figure that out — a la Rule #7. LOL!

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    Yes, it's definitely scrapbook material. Thanks!

  • http://www.indiebusinessblog.com Donna Maria Coles Johnson

    Yes, they do! I intend to encourage my daughter's list making! Maybe we'll read this one at her college graduation. Or better yet, when she's valedictorian, we can fish it out and she can use it to write her speech!!

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