THE RULES OF LIFE

The Rules of Life is a graphic designed to help parents understand how to organize their child's life. By clarifying children's responsibilities and differentiating rights from privileges, parents can become clearer on what to expect from children, and what they owe children. The basic message of The Rules of Life is that children have few, but essential, responsibilities, which they must fulfill; otherwise, their rights will be few, and there will be no privileges. For example, if children are disrespectful or refuse to do homework, they will be put on their beds (my time-out method), be deprived of telephone privileges, or otherwise deprived of privileges. Children who do follow The Rules of Life should be allowed access to many privileges, e.g., choice of friends and choice of clothes. Failure to allow privileges to responsible, respectful children is parental overcontrol and will remove the incentive for children to behave.

For appointments and scheduled consultations, please contact Dr. J. Brien O'Callaghan at DRBRIEN@JBOCALLAGHAN.com or write to him at J. Brien O'Callaghan, Ph.D., 246 Federal Road, C-32, Brookfield, CT 06804