Internet Fiercely Divided Over Former Teacher’s 11 “Non-Negotiable” Rules For Her Children



Lizzie Gaines, from Texas, has left the Internet fiercely divided after she shared the 11 “non-negotiable” rules that she set for her kids: Jake (13), Will (9), and Birdie (6). The former teacher, who now works in real estate, explained on social media that these are the things she and her husband Josh expect from their children. 

  1. 1. You must refer to any and all adults as “ma’am” and “sir.” 
  2. 2. You must put your shoes and backpack in the designated area so you don’t have to search for them in the morning. 
  3. 3. You must plug in your school devices when you get home, and remember to put them in your backpacks before leaving for school in the morning. 
  4. 4. It’s not our job to tell you if you have homework. Your teacher had it on the board, your agenda, and reminded you in class 5 times. 
  5. 5. If you get into trouble at school, we will support your teachers. 
  6. 6. You will pack your own lunches and remember to take them to school in the morning. 
  7. 7. You will eat what we serve for dinner. If you don’t like it, you will sit with the rest of the family while we eat. 
  8. 8. Dinnertime is sacred. We’re going to be pleasant and share about our day because it’s the only uninterrupted family time we get with no distractions. 
  9. 9. You must pick up after yourselves and not leave dirty clothes on your floor. 
  10. 10. You get a phone because it’s convenient, but it will go away if abused. It charges in our room every night, and we will check what’s on it. 
  11. 11. Never get too big for your britches or our kisses. 

 

Needless to say, the comments on social media were about as divided as they could get, with some supporting the rules and saying Lizzie is setting boundaries with consistency, while others say the rules are childhood trauma in the making and will likely lead to adult psychotherapy. Lizzie addressed some of the backlash by saying: “No one in our house is being starved. Our kids know they can eat what’s offered. If they don’t like it — which is very, very rare — they can grab some fruit from the refrigerator. We’re not short-order cooks.”