Rules are all around us. There are rules in cars, on streets and in games. Why do we have them?
Some rules are for safety. A seat belt helps keep a person safe in a car.
Street rules are for safety too. Stay out of traffic. Cross at a crosswalk or an intersection.
You may have heard that rules are only to punish people. In fact, many rules keep people safe. A seat belt rule is one.
Health groups say rules work best when they are clear. They also stay the same. Then people know what to do.
A rule should be explained in words a child can get. The CDC says to tell a child why a rule matters. One rule is to stay out of traffic.
Some rules help people share. Two children can share a toy. Each gets an equal turn, like five minutes each.
Children can ask in a nice way. They can say, May I please have it first? Even three-year-olds can work out a toy fight. They take turns or trade.
Playing with other children helps a child learn. A child learns about sharing and friendship. Preschool children learn to take turns.
A good rule is clear and open. Then everybody can know what it is. A fair law is the same for everyone. No one gets special privileges.
Games have rules too. In 1891, a teacher named James Naismith made up basketball. He wrote its first rules.
Naismith wanted an indoor game. It took the place of boring or dangerous exercises at his school.
Words to know
- safety: not in danger
- crosswalk: street crossing
- equal: the same
- privileges: special perks
- friendship: being friends
