The Rules (of Life)

From the profound to the mundane, our family made up these rules during the first 5 or 6 years of living with triplets. After the first few (which Dad made up and insisted on) the rules and their language were openly discussed and voted on. The triplets had a voting bloc - but I reserved veto rights. We welcome suggestions!

1. Everyone smiles all the time.
2. Stop . . . and think.
3. Don’t holler at each other.
4. Sing the right words or don’t sing at all.
5. Be still and look at anyone who is talking to you.
6. No hurting.
7. Always obey your mom and dad.
8. No crying for no reason.
9. No fighting about where you sit.
10. Always speak in a sweet voice.
11. Never force anyone to eat.
12. Don’t break anything.
13. Don’t touch anyone who is stretching.
14. Speak clearly so you are understood.
15. No lying.
16. Eat fruit after every meal.
17. Always sit in your seat.
18. No sulking.
19. No bossing anyone around.
20. Don’t show food in your mouth.
21. Don’t walk around with sharp things, like a knife or scissors, in your hand.
22. Pass sharp things handle first.
23. Don’t take anything from strangers.
24. Always chew with your mouth closed.
25. Don’t touch breakable things without adult supervision.
26. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.
27. Don’t break people’s concentration.
28. No threatening people.
29. No yelling at kids when they bring a problem to you.
30. Never carry a CD that's not in its case.