8 Family Commandments for a Smooth, Organized Ride.
1 No screaming or shouting.
How can the driver hear herself think with all that racket coming from the backseat? Nix it.
2 No arguing.
Yes, arguing can be legislated.
Try this. Once you say, “stop," the next kid to continue to argue in any way, shape or form loses one day of TV or other coveted privileges.
Each additional offense loses another day. (Hey, you could give away the TV one day.)
3 Big fights will result in the vehicle being pulled over.
(Don’t try to resolve disputes while driving.)
4 Seat belts must be fastened at all times.
Safety first, right? 'Nuff said.
5 No one under 12 rides in the front seat (if you have a passenger-side air bag).
6 No touching window, radio, or any other controls unless expressly directed to do so by the driver.
7 All leftovers and wrappers must be put in the trash can or in a bag.
8 No one can go into the house till everything is unloaded.
Each child is responsible for getting his or her stuff—all of it—to and from the vehicle. Yes, kids, this does mean you’ll sometimes have to make two or even three trips after arriving home.
Summer brings with it important seasonal chores - such as cleaning the garage. What can you reasonably expect your child to do alone or help you with? The
garage chore guide by age
can help.
