If Your Parents Had These 15 Odd Rules, They Probably Made You Stronger
Growing up, did your parents have rules that made you roll your eyes or scratch your head? Maybe you had to ask permission for odd things, or there were strict rituals you didn’t understand at the time.
While some rules seemed weird, they often carried hidden lessons. Those quirky guidelines weren’t just about control—they were shaping your values, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
Here are 15 strange parenting rules that, in hindsight, may have played a big role in making you the person you are today.
No Snacks Before Dinner
This rule seemed cruel when you were starving after school, but it taught you patience and self-control. You learned to wait and appreciate the effort that went into preparing meals.
Plus, it likely made dinner taste even better when you were finally allowed to dig in!
Saying “Please” and “Thank You” for Everything
Having to say “please” even for a glass of water or “thank you” after every meal may have felt excessive. Yet, it instilled gratitude and politeness that stuck with you as an adult.
Those small courtesies are habits that make social interactions smoother and more pleasant.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Strict Bedtimes on School Nights
Going to bed while your friends stayed up late felt unfair, but this rule gave you the structure you didn’t know you needed. It taught the importance of routine and how a good night’s sleep impacts your focus and mood the next day.
Finishing What’s on Your Plate
Being told you couldn’t leave the table until you finished your broccoli was annoying, but it taught you about not wasting food. It also helped develop an appreciation for trying new things, even if they weren’t your favorite at first.
No TV During Meals
This rule created space for family conversations, even if it meant missing your favorite show. It helped you build communication skills, taught you to listen, and showed you the value of uninterrupted time with loved ones.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Homework Comes Before Play
This rule ensured you developed strong work habits. It wasn’t fun to prioritize homework over hanging out with friends, but it taught discipline and the importance of managing responsibilities before indulging in leisure.
Apologizing Even When You Didn’t Feel Like It
Being forced to say “I’m sorry” during sibling fights may have felt unfair, but it taught you accountability and how to mend relationships. As an adult, you likely appreciate the value of making peace, even when it’s hard.
No Dessert Until You Ate Your Vegetables
This rule might’ve turned carrots and peas into your arch-nemesis, but it emphasized balance and the idea that rewards come after effort. Now, you probably carry that lesson into other areas of life, like work before rewards.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Cleaning Your Room Before Going Out
This rule seemed like an unnecessary obstacle to fun, but it taught you about maintaining order. It emphasized the importance of taking care of your personal space before focusing on external distractions.
Sharing Everything With Siblings
Being forced to share your toys or snacks may have sparked arguments, but it fostered empathy and fairness. It taught you how to collaborate and consider others, which are invaluable skills in adulthood.
Writing Thank-You Notes for Gifts
Having to sit down and write thank-you cards felt tedious, but it instilled a sense of gratitude and acknowledgment. Now, you likely recognize how far a small gesture of thanks can go in maintaining relationships.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
No Swearing
Being punished for letting a bad word slip might have felt overboard, but it encouraged you to think before speaking. It also taught you the power of words and how language impacts the people around you.
Limited Screen Time
Having strict rules about TV or video games probably felt unfair when all your friends had unlimited access. Yet, it encouraged you to explore other hobbies, spend time outdoors, or read books, broadening your horizons.
Always Helping With Chores
Whether it was doing dishes or mowing the lawn, mandatory chores taught responsibility and teamwork. You learned that contributing to a household isn’t optional and that effort leads to shared rewards.
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
Asking Permission Before Making Plans
Needing approval to go out or invite friends over felt restrictive, but it taught respect for family dynamics. It reinforced the idea that personal decisions can impact others, a lesson that’s vital in adult relationships.
More from IEPMommy
- Younger Workers Refuse to Follow These 15 Outdated Office Rules
- Stop Saying These 18 Overused Phrases That Drive People Up the Wall
- The Harsh Realities Boomers Lived That Millennials Didn’t Have to Face
- 17 Things Kids Had to Follow in the 70s That Sound Unreal Today
- 19 Old-Fashioned Beliefs That Boomers Cling to but Are Harmful Today
Like iepmommy's content? Follow us on MSN.
