That Recurring Irritation – Abide in the Vine
Having rules, former procrastinators, can seem restrictive. However, carefully selected directives help make things work. They establish parameters to keep people safe or otherwise demonstrate respect. When things are left without direction, confusion and injury can result. It’s a matter of thinking through needs, not flying off the handle and making a rash declaration.
Rules of the road are helpful routines and a good example of how standards serve to reinforce safety and encourage courtesy. I recall riding with one of our teens. At the stop sign, this new driver waved another driver on when we had the right of way. “No, don’t do that.” “Mom, I’m just being nice.” “No, actually, that’s confusing. Other drivers expect you to drive according to the rules. Then they know what to do.” A friend counselled his children, “Don’t fall for the wave.” His daughter was waved on by another driver at an intersection. The girl didn’t go. The other driver kept waving her on. She finally pulled out. He hit her when he pulled out too. Imagine if we had no driving rules.
Are you or your family struggling repeatedly with a recurring functional problem? Take the time to consider what you need and how to achieve it. Putting it off means continuing to live with the irritation. I’m not suggesting a slew of rules for your family. Just ponder how some settled directives might relieve a situation.
One aid we use now is the “No Kitchen” policy. Our kitchen is a straight-shot thoroughfare to open spaces on both ends. However, it’s dangerous to have young ones dashing through when you’re sauteing, chopping, or moving a pot of boiling water from stove to sink. There’s another route. So, passing through the kitchen or standing in that passage is not allowed. Even the dog knows “No Kitchen.” Sometimes with permission, the grands help cook, but they are carefully situated. A few painful goofs when the rule has been forgotten have reinforced the wisdom of the “No Kitchen” policy.
Speaking of the dog, when he visited, he loved zipping up the stairs and careening down. The rug below would go flying and he sometimes hit the wall. Woe unto whoever was on the stairs at the same time! So, we taught him to wait at the bottom until humans were up or wait at the top until we were down. He sits in place until we say “Okay,” then he runs up or barrels down. No trampled adults or flying toddlers.
Maybe a dog is more easily trained, but repetition is the key for us all.
No bicycles left in the driveway? Bathroom time limit during rush hour? A clock placed in the bathroom? Muddy boots stay in the garage? What might eliminate an aggravation at your house? Taking the time to address it might pay off.
What simple rule might become part of your routine and relieve an irritating situation for you or the family?
