Make sure everyone understands that they need to pick up after themselves, tackle their chores without being asked, and to show respect to all the other family members. Oh, and keeping your hands and feet to yourself is a must. Be sure your child knows and understands the rules of their school. If you have questions about school rules, contact the school staff or guidance counselor for details. Curfews should be early on school nights. Your child needs time to finish homework assignments, relax, and get ready for bed. On weekends or during the summer months, you may decide to extend curfew a bit. Also, make outdoor play a part of your summer rules, and educate your children about dangers they might encounter over the summer, such as dehydration or sunburn. If your kid is out with friends, make sure they are not abusing alcohol, experimenting with inhalants, and succumbing to dangerous peer pressure. Review rules on conduct and behavior with your child before camp begins in order to prevent any unnecessary incidents. Share your family’s cell phone rules, and help other parents establish rules of their own. Consider whether or not your child will lose their cell phone if they don’t do their chores. Also, what if your child exceeds the data limits you set for them? Will they pay the difference? Be specific about your cell phone rules, and if necessary, draw up a cell phone contract for you and your tween.
