Memo to My Sons - Ground Rules

Several years ago my sons (all in their early twenties) were still living at home.  One was in college and others were out working, but they all had developed the habit of taking advantage of both my husband and me ( and our good nature).  

Frustrated, I typed up the following "memo" and gave each of them a copy.  Some thought it funny. The oldest was insulted and brought it into work to show his co-workers what his Mom gave him.  Much to his chagrin, several of his co-workers who had kids of their own still living at home, asked if they could have a copy of the memo to give to their own kids.  

I came across this memo the other day while getting rid of old papers and files.  I'm sharing for those of you who may find yourself  need of such a memo for your own kids.

MEMORANDUM

Date:  August 24, 1998
Subject:  Ground Rules
From:  Mom & Dad

Now that you are back home from your vacations, we would like to set-up some ground rules that need to be followed if we are all to live together in harmony.

• This is not a flop-house; it is our home.  You cannot just come and go as you please.  If you have plans to to away for the weekend, please let us know in advance so we can make arrangements for your dog as we will may be going to the mountains for the weekend.

• Curfew - Although you are all old enough to say out after curfew, we will be imposing a house curfew.  Sunday - Thursday, you must be in the house by 11:30 pm. Friday and Saturday you must be in by 1:00 am. The doors will be locked after those times and you will have to find somewhere else to sleep or sit on the steps for the rest of the night.  Exceptions will be made if we know where you are and what time to expect you home.

• Bedrooms - Your rooms should be neat and clean at all times.  Please do not throw your clothes on the floor.  Either put them in the closet, drawers or, if dirty, in the hamper.  Anything you leave on the floor will either be given away or thrown out.

• Bathrooms - When you use the bathroom, please make sure you wipe out the shower after you are done.  Also, please use the sponge on the sink to clean it after you have brushed your teeth.  If you cut your hair or shave, please clean up your hair.

• Kitchen - Please clean up the kitchen after you are done eating.  Put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher.  If it us full, run the dishwasher off; it the dishes are already clean, empty the dishwasher.

• Recreation Room - This room is used primarily by all of you, therefore; it is your responsibility to make sure that it is clean.  Please do not throw your clothes or shoes around.  Run the vacuum around occasionally and dust all the furniture. 

You may think the above seems harsh, however, the alternative is for you all to find another place to live as cheaply as you do here.  We have always gone out of our way to accommodate each of you with your schedules, and we work very hard to provide you with all that you need.  Now we are asking for you to have some respect for us and abide by the above rules.