It is Human Nature to test boundaries. Even more so with Littles who have poor impulse control and are still learning boundaries. Therefore, it is important to us to maintain clear, consistent, and easy to remember guidelines for the children. When setting Rules and Boundaries, I found it is best to focus on the positive action (ie walking) as opposed to the restriction (ie don't run) Overall, we feel if we can practice consent, respect, and gentleness with our things and one another, everything else falls into place.
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Use Gentle Hands. Ie, No hitting, biting, pinching, throwing, pushing, hair pulling, or otherwise hurting ourselves, our toys, our furniture, and particularly others.
Walking Feet (unless we are specifically playing a group game)
Babies Rule. We try to teach the children that the babies don’t always understand things and are fragile. If they have a toy they want, they must trade for another toy. No picking up babies or toddlers, use gentle hands, and practice patience.
Remain in the house or yard unless given express permission. (No one is allowed outside without adult supervision, even when parents are here).
No name-calling, yelling, foul language or teasing—everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
6. All food and drink, other than water, will remain in the dining room/kitchen area.