I like everything except the owing money part. They are 16 and 17 so aren’t they still in high school? If they are still in high school then it is their rights as kids to have the roof and electricity, heat, water ect. paid for as well as food bought for the home. Now if you mean car, and insurance then yes I agree with them paying towards it. However when they graduate high school, I am a full supporter of rent being enforced, it is a welcome to the world time to grow up message.

At 16 & 17, what bills are your kids responsible for? I'm also curious about the snacking rule. Aren't your kids still in school? If so, I don't think it is unreasonable for you, as a parent to provide at least SOME snacks.

I do think an 8 minute shower is a bit harsh...girls need to shave their legs.

Other than that, I think it makes sense & is not too much.

just a little fyi.. you did ask.

When I was dealing with my family at this age, the counselor told us to put the house rules on a while board in the hallway.

She also told us to make sure to keep it to a minimum of 5. No more.
Honestly, they aren't going to read past that. And I couldn't even focus to read your entire list bc I lost my focus, too.

That being said....if you wish to write out a family contract, then this is exactly what you would include in it. To be used at a later date to get your kids to move out if they are being deadbeats. But really none of this matters if you are the only person standing behind it.
Your spouse has to back you up. And you have to all work together.

I would do both if I were you, write out 5 most important house rules and then make them sign a contract for ALL the rules. That way you covered your bases.

You also have to be consistent.

And I'm a bit confused too.......

For one thing, most of this stuff is common courtesy that children learn when they are in their preteen and teen years. Why don't they know this stuff? Have they never done chores before?

Also, these are YOUR kids? Like you raised them?? They are still learning how to be people at this age.
It's our job to teach them how to do this stuff and to organize a household and live with other people. You know...life skills.

So that eventually they can move into the world and be independent and successful people.

When I was 15 & 16, 17 and 18, I had a job...I worked. I paid for some expenses. But my parents still provided for me on some level.
I don't know your story.

I personally don't consider my kids to be mooching off of me until they are old enough & have the means to support themselves completely.
Even most college kids require some financial help from time to time.

I agree - give them chore days that they have to sign off on so that its all in one or two days for the week. The shower thing is kinda of militant - I take showers for a good 20 minutes to wash/condition hair, shave legs, and just to wash away the dirt/stress of the day. Hot water can't last past 30 minutes, right? If its a hot water sharing issue, maybe ask them to be careful in the morning (10 minutes?) so that everyone can shower, but do what they need to at night. I would take the whole snack think out entirely. Most kids need to snack throughout the day. My mom tried this because there were alot of kids in our family and she didn't have alot of money, but there were days that I was REALLY hungry. My back up was to hide a box of brown sugar in my room and eat by the spoonful. If the kids are overweight, only bring in healthy snacks and hide the chips, cookies, etc in a pantry in the garage that they need to ask permission to get into. I think these rules could be rewritten to be more friendly in tone and you'll get much more participation.

I am stealing some of these because SD15 and DD10 do NO chores and its about time they get off their lazy butts and do something around this house. I don't agree with them paying for bills unless it car insurance, gas, stuff like that.

The 8 minute shower is a bit harsh but I understand where you are coming from. SD15 will shower for 45 minutes if I don't tell her to get out!! And they both leave the bathroom a disaster.

The snacking I also understand where you are coming from. The day I go food shopping SD will eat every single snack and hoard some in her room. I think they need to be told they can't just eat all day long!! I hide the things I need for dinner.

Also, my kids will walk thru the house leaving every light on in their path. I take lightbulbs away!! The electric bill is crazy so your utilities are probably high too.

I told DH that SD needs to get a job this summer. All we do is hand her money. She needs to learn responsibility!

Bwahaha! I'm gonna print this and show it to my kids next time they think I am being strict.

You're talking about 2 teens, right?

No snacking allowed??? Only an 8 minute shower??? They have to pay bills???

I think you need to narrow this list down to no more than 4 or 5 reasonable rules. Most importantly, you need to be prepared to follow through when, not if, they break them.

I'm surprised how many ppl don't have their kids handling chores!! They live in the house, too.. they should be responsible for helping maintain things.

And no wonder you're exhausted!!! You can't work full time and do everything else. I tried it. Can't do it!