The family rules should have five parts, The Name (for quick reference), need/issue or reason for the rule, Rule and consequence if the rule is broken. The consequences should be natural and logical. Sometime the real consequence is not possible because of the dire nature of the consequence. But timeout is good for behavior that could if continued put a person in prison or cause them to be a social outcast. This is a fun activity for the family. Rules should be reviewed at least annually and updated as needed. Lookout one or two years to examine coming needs or issues before the crisis of the moment.

One Example

Name: Jumping on furniture rule

Need/reason: If members of the family jump on the furniture, (Our defined was all furniture including beds) they will eventual break and not be useful to family members or guests.

Rule: Family members will not jump on the furniture

Consequence: One week without using the furniture. No sitting on or laying on furniture, a person may stand or lay on the floor as if the furniture was not there because it was broken.