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House rules printable: one blank sheet your family writes together
This house rules printable starts blank. You write each rule in three parts: what you do, how you do it, and what happens when it slips. Two adults sign, and you set a date to review it.
- The sheet
- “Our agreement”: three sections of three lines, a date, two signatures, a review date
- Paper
- US Letter and A4, portrait, print at 100%
- Versions
- Blank, filled-in example, fillable PDF
- Design
- Color, Minimal, Warm: pages 1, 2 and 3 of the same PDF
In short
Write two or three rules as things to do, not things to avoid. Both adults agree before the kids see the sheet, and a missed rule gets a calm plan instead of a penalty. Post it where everyone sees it and reread it together on the review date.
Choose a design
These free printable house rules come in three looks. Each download holds all three designs, one per page, so print only the page you want.
What is on this house rules printable
The sheet is titled “Our agreement”, with the subtitle “A small pact between equals.” The rule lines are empty: it is a blank house rules template, and every rule on it is one you write.
- 1 · What we’ll do. The rule as an action: “Shoes go on the rack by the door.”
- 2 · How we’ll do it. When, and what counts as done: “Right after we come in.”
- 3 · How we’ll handle it together. What happens when someone forgets: “One reminder, then we do it together.”
- We agreed on and two Name / signature boxes for the two adults.
- Review together on. The date you change what stopped working.
Family rules printable in four steps
1. The two adults agree first
The CDC notes that your child’s behavior will be better if all caregivers support the rules in the same way. That is hard when two households merge:
“Both girls have been brought up with different expectations, rules and boundaries…”r/stepparents · “Blended home and rules”
Sign only when you would both say the same thing to your child. The AAP agrees: set basic rules everyone follows.
2. Two or three rules, written as what to do
For a toddler, fill one section and leave the rest for later. Older kids can take all three.
3. Plan the slip, skip the penalty
Section 3 takes the place of a consequences list. The AAP advises parents to avoid penalties and demerits, which “can be humiliating or discourage your child from even trying.” Write what you will do together instead.
4. Put the review on the calendar
Make the review date a short family meeting: the AAP suggests a regular, pleasant time, no more than 20 or 30 minutes. Our family meeting agenda helps.
How to make printable visual house rules for a child who can’t read
The sheet has writing lines only, so you add the pictures. The CDC says pictures or visual cues can be used on charts for toddlers and preschoolers because many cannot read.
- Draw one picture at the start of each line: a shoe, a plate, a toothbrush.
- Or glue on a photo of your child doing the thing in your own hallway.
- Let your child color them, then point to each one as you read the rule.
Print on US Letter in the US and Canada or A4 elsewhere, at 100%. To type instead, fill in the house rules printable template as a PDF and save a copy. Post it at your child’s eye level, in a sleeve so you can rewrite a line on review day.
Questions people ask
What are family rules?
Family rules are a short list of things everyone at home agrees to do, such as where shoes go. On this sheet each rule also says what happens when it slips.
How many family rules should we have: 5 or 10?
For children aged 2 to 4, two or three at a time, according to the CDC. Add a rule once the first ones stick without reminders.
What are good house rules examples for kids?
Rules that name a visible action: “Shoes go on the rack”, “Plates go to the sink after dinner”, “Inside we use walking feet.” Each tells your child what to do.
Does it work for roommates?
Yes, the two signature boxes are equal and nothing on the sheet assumes parents. For rent and quiet hours, use the roommate agreement.
Other free printable sheets
Save this house rules sheet to Pinterest
Pin it for the evening you sit down to write the rules together. The sheet starts blank, so every rule on it is yours.
When a rule is really a chore
“Dishes after dinner” can live in Alpacto as a routine: what done means, coins per check-in, and the other person confirms. Accounts start at 13; younger children share a parent’s screen.