Rules are everywhere and apply to everyone even when it does not seem like it. When the word “rules” is said typically thought would go towards limits and restrictions. When these policies are set it can make the receiver feel inferior towards the situation.
In a household there are normally one or two people with the most authority over the rest, just like an oligarchy. An oligarchy is an institution or larger that is controlled by a certain number of people with a high status. In oligarchies when the person or people in power set a policy it is typically final and not to be questioned. As much as policies and a strong overseeing rule can help children. Something that most fail to acknowledge is as children get older, they start to realize that they do have control over at least one thing, their reactions.
On the topic of rules all kids and adults will never agree on it completely; especially if that rule restricts children from completing a desired action. The most common reaction is to ignore the rules and continue headstrong. Therefore, when rules are being implemented the following process could be made much easier if the implementer explained why. Once there is a grasp of why rules exist, it can bring a child closer to accepting that there are rules everywhere.
Having and understanding of why rules exist can bring a child closer to accepting that there are rules everywhere. Though in the moment restrictions are not appreciated in the long-term future the rules that were set in the past are often appreciated by future selves. There will always be a party that does not enjoy following the rules because of the restrictions they can embody. What they fail to realize is that the world needs rules to control the chaos that comes with freedom. As a child is when most restrictions can be set but it does not stop when an adult; rules will continue and amplify throughout a lifetime but it is better to learn to accept their presence rather than fight and be imbalanced for a lifetime.
Whenever parents set a rule in the house it can make no sense at times, so the first reaction is to ignore it. In the moment it does not seem wrong because the child does not understand it, but as the mischief continues the child learns of what they are doing and hides behind their alleged incompetence. This could lead to a child developing the Dunning Kruger effect. The Dunning Kruger effect can cause a person to either over or underestimate their abilities on a certain task. This can easily be associated with rules because when children are desperate not to follow, they begin to overestimate themselves by going around it. These situations are quite common but very impactful because it not only corrupts the child but it can also suck other people in.
Therefore, when rules are being implemented the following process could be made much easier if the implementer explained why. During the creation of rules, the result is often to prevent someone or something from carrying out a particular action. In most cases the person is not going to be happy that you are not only telling them not to do what they want to do but also setting a policy with repercussions towards it. Once the reasons behind the restriction are explained it can make the process of letting go of what caused the restriction to be made easier. As a child there is always something that they want; and there will always be someone that will oppose it. Though giving up an aspect there is always an understanding to be gained
With all this in mind despite what parents do, they have their child’s best interest in view. There are just some areas that need to be improved which have to do with communication. Though a parent does not want their child exposed to certain topics it would be extremely helpful to the child and parent to have a conversation that at least skims why the parent does not want their child to carry out a certain action. While speaking to the child is helpful, having them do research on the topic can help them come to their own realization about what their parents are restricting them from doing which can open a path to alternative methods of completing their desired actions.
To summarize, rules are seen as an issue in many eyes, especially in the eyes of a minor. It is possible that even with the countless solutions it will remain a problem. But something that most fail to recognize is that the world requires communication to thrive. Once people begin to accept this, communication can lead to conversations which will lead to discovery and agreement not just on the topic of rules but on countless others. Only then, with agreement and understanding of rules, will there be one less problem to write about.
The Watoto Speak! 