I’ve tried a lot of discipline and training systems over the last eight years of parenting. Charts, rewards, stickers, tickets, you name it. Some solutions worked and some didn’t, but none of them stuck for long. Until I discovered the three-rule system.
This simple system is brilliant. And I take no credit for it. I got it from a friend, who got it from her mother-in-law, who used it to raise her own children—i.e., my friend’s husband, who is an outstanding pastor and Bible teacher, which I figure counts as living proof that this system works, right?
Okay, sure, my kids might not be theologians one day, but I certainly hope they will grow up to make an impact for the kingdom of God. As their mom I pour my energy day after day into preparing them for that life mission. The three-rule system helps.
Are you ready to discover it for yourself? Join me on For the Family today for Three Family Rules That Work. I’ll see you there!
Blessings,
Becky
Dear Becky, thanks for the inspiring 3 rules pwost. I love simple but effective things.
One question: what do you do when the kids break one of the rules?
Thanks in advance.
Very good question, Nina! Consequences can be a touchy subject since every family has different standards. When my friend told me about the three rules, she said she uses checkmarks to keep track of each time a rule is broken. The checkmark is in itself a type of punishment as well as a training tool to help kids understand what type of behavior is associated with each rule (because we always want to make sure we’re training and not just punishing). Then after three checkmarks, a more significant consequence is warranted. For my friend is was spanking. (She only had to use it rarely because the training/checkmarks worked so well.) For us I found it was more effective to take away a prized toy. Then the next day, the toy was returned and the checkmarks were wiped clean for a fresh start because God’s mercies are new every morning!