(for the children)

• No hitting, biting, pinching, throwing, pushing, hair pulling, or otherwise hurting ourselves or others.
• No intentionally breaking anything.
• No running, jumping, wrestling, climbing, etc. in the house or on the furniture.
• No picking up babies or toddlers.
• No leaving the house or yard without permission (no one is allowed outside without adult supervision, even when parents are here).
• No name calling, yelling, foul language or teasing—everyone deserves to be treated with respect.
• All food and drink will remain in the dining room/kitchen area.

(for myself)

The 10 Commandments of Interactions with Children

By Cathy Abraham

I. Thou shalt not speak to a child from across the room
II. Thou shalt get down on the child’s eye-level and use children’s names
III. Thou shalt accept, help identify, and validate children’s feelings
IV. Thou shalt teach and encourage children to use problem-solving
V. Thou shalt be aware of tone of voice and speak to children respectfully, always mindful of their self-esteem
VI. Thou shalt ask open-ended questions to encourage thinking skills
VII. Thou shalt greet children warmly when they arrive, and continue to make them feel welcome and accepted throughout the day
VIII. Thou shalt state things in a positive way, telling children what they can do, and not what they can’t do
IX. Thou shalt serve as a positive role-model
X. Thou shalt remember to use praise and positive reinforcement – including appropriate affection