By Cheryl Mattox Berry
It’s time for the second installment of rules for girls. A few weeks ago, I wrote about two California girls, ages 8 and 10, who created a set of rules to live by that they wrote down in a notebook, which was lost but later found and returned to them. They inspired me to pen The Rulebook for Girls, the working title of my handbook, which will be created in this space over a period of time.
Meanwhile, here are some new rules:
1. Never let a boy see you cry about something he did or said. You don’t want him to know that his behavior affects you. Be indifferent and strong in front of him. Save tears for the privacy of your bedroom.
2. Leave your sister’s clothes alone, and don’t bother your mother’s jewelry without asking. What if something happens to the items? You’ll be in double trouble if you took them without permission.
3. Be neither a lender or borrower when it comes to clothes. There’s no quicker way to end a friendship than an argument over soiled or damaged clothing. If you like it that much, save your money and buy one.
4. Wait your turn in line. The other people standing in line aren’t invisible, but they get treated that way sometimes. If you’re not sure whether someone is in line, ask.
5. Don’t ride in a car unless you have a seatbelt. When kids are crammed in cars and an accident happens, those not wearing a seatbelt are often ejected from the car.
6. Respect the privacy of others. Don’t snoop in your siblings’ rooms or eavesdrop. Knock if a door is closed, and wait for permission to enter.
7. If you’re having a PMS day, don’t take it out on others. Be kind enough to warn them, then go somewhere and sit in a corner by yourself.
8. Clean up your mess. Most of us aren’t fortunate enough to have a housekeeper whose sole job is to pick up after us.
9. Be a good sport. You won’t always win, and you won’t always lose. If someone beats you fair and square, congratulate her/him no matter no badly you feel about losing.
1o. Keep your promises. If you told grandma you’d be over at 5 p.m., she’s expecting you at that hour. Your younger sister will be waiting for you to do her hair when you get home because you told her that last night. When people are counting on you, don’t let them down.
If you have rules that you ‘d like to see in this space, send them to me. They can be about anything – school, home, parents, siblings, etc.