"Family Rules"
Reading Lesson

Key Words

Below you will find a list of key vocabulary you need to know to understand the lesson. Click on each word to hear it and practice its pronunciation.

chore: a small job done at home
punish: to give a consequence for bad behavior
reward: something good given for good behavior
punishment: a consequence for doing something wrong
misbehavior: bad behavior
gather: to come together in one place
involve: to include someone in an activity or decision
benefit: something that helps or is good for you
safety: being protected from danger
agreement: when people decide and accept the same thing
enforce: to make sure rules are followed
enforcement: the act of making sure rules are followed

Exercise - Key Words

Read the definition and select the word that was defined.

Reading

Family Rules

Imagine if you had a boss who didn't specify what the rules were in your work place but punished you if you broke these unknown rules. You would feel pretty frustrated, wouldn't you? That's how children feel when they are punished for breaking rules that have never been explained to them. Family rules are necessary to make clear what's expected of children and to outline punishments for misbehavior and rewards for good behavior.

When creating the rules remember to be specific both in what is expected and the punishment or reward. Gather the family together when creating the family rule list. Involve children in the creation of the rules and get their input as to appropriate rewards or punishments. Explain to children why you'd like to include certain rules. They will accept them more if they understand that they are for their own benefit and safety.

You may want to create the list of rules in the form of a contract which all family members sign. Before completing the contract make sure that all family members are in agreement as to the wording of the rules and the punishments or rewards for each rule.

Once the rules have been created, remember to be consistent with their enforcement. The list of rules doesn't mean anything unless it is consistently enforced.

► Listen to the reading

Questions

Select the correct answer.

Writing

Write a list of rules for your family (or a family with children). For each rule, explain why it is important and describe the rewards or punishments associated with the rule.

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