Susannah Wesley's 16 Rules

I only just now found this site, so I have no comment on it itself yet, but I love this list they provided. These are the sixteen rules Susannah Wesley had for her home and child-rearing. I love them because they are sensible and just put into words a lot of what we feel are the important rules around here, though we've failed to properly and simply outline them like this. Excepting a couple of them, like #1, #2. And there are a couple I know are major weaknesses on my part, but I do commit to be better at.

1. Eating between meals not allowed.

2. As children they are to be in bed by 8 p.m.

3. They are required to take medicine without complaining.

4. Subdue self- will in a child, and those working together with God to save the child's soul.

5. To teach a child to pray as soon as he can speak.

6. Require all to be still during Family Worship.

7. Give them nothing that they cry for, and only that when asked for politely.

8. To prevent lying, punish no fault which is first confessed and repented of.

9. Never allow a sinful act to go unpunished.

10. Never punish a child twice for a single offense.

11. Comment and reward good behavior.

12. Any attempt to please, even if poorly performed, should be commended.

13. Preserve property rights, even in smallest matters.

14. Strictly observe all promises.

15. Require no daughter to work before she can read well.

16. Teach children to fear the rod.