Every parent has their own approach to raising children, but some rules are universal in shaping a child’s character and well-being. Are these five “non-negotiable” parenting rules from the experts on your list?

Number one: Safety First

Whether it is making sure that your child is safely buckled into their car seat or ensuring that they are good to go in protective gear for a bike ride, the first parenting non-negotiable from the experts is to ensure that safety is always first.

“Maintaining non-negotiable parenting rules involving safety reduces the likelihood of risk of injury to themselves and others, and helps develop personal safety skills and responsible behavior while fostering independence skills,” Alisha Simpson-Watt L.C.S.W., B.C.B.A., L.B.A., and founder of behavioral health practice Collaborative ABA Services said in a recent interview with Good Housekeeping. 

Number two: Connect daily with your kids

Connecting daily with children is crucial because it helps build a strong emotional bond, fostering trust, security, and open communication. It also creates opportunities to guide, support, and understand their needs, ensuring they feel valued and supported as they navigate their development. 

“Make it a priority to talk, read, and play with your child every single day!” ParentCo’s Aimee Ketchum, O.T.D., O.T.R./L., C.N.M.I told the outlet. “Early brain development depends on these interactions and they are the foundation to lifelong self-confidence and new learning.”

Even if it is just for a few minutes, make sure to connect daily with your children without device interruption. 

Number three: Set boundaries around words and actions that can hurt others

Taking other people’s feelings into account is unquestionably important when it comes to setting up a household non-negotiable. By setting boundaries around words and actions that can hurt others, you are teaching children empathy which is an important trait that they will need as they grow into adulthood.

“In our family, we don’t intentionally cause harm — physically or verbally,” says Ash Beckham, LGBTQ advocate, diversity and leadership educator, and author of Step Up: How to Live with Courage and Become an Everyday Leader. “We’re an active bunch: we play hard, we banter hard and we love hard. But setting clear boundaries around physical actions and words is essential for creating a home where everyone feels safe and trusted. As the boys continue to grow, having this red line helps us navigate more complex topics like empathy, consent and the nuance of impact versus intent, all within a framework everyone understands.”

Number four: Stick to the boundaries that you have put in place

Sticking to the boundaries that are put in place helps build consistency and children feel secure and understand expectations. When parents enforce boundaries, it teaches children responsibility, self-discipline, and respect for rules, while also preventing confusion and manipulation.

“Boundaries are sturdy fences, not stretchy bands,” stated Amy Vale, expert in foster parenting and founder of For the Cubs. “… Children truly thrive with the reassurance that comes from consistent, predictable boundaries; these create a safe space where they can explore and grow with confidence.

Number five: Remember to pass on the “golden rule”

“Do unto others…” is a timeless saying that should always be shared from one generation to the next.

“As early as the toddler years, children begin to understand that other people share their world and have their own needs and rights,” Petal Modeste, host of Parenting for the Future podcast shared. “Explaining to them the ‘Golden Rule’ — that in every situation, they should treat others the way they want to be treated — is critical. Teaching them this rule early in life helps them develop the empathy that will allow them to be kind, to treat others with respect and dignity, to practice honesty and eventually develop a strong moral compass.”

With the help of these five non-negotiable parenting rules and others, parents are laying the foundation for raising well-rounded and emotionally healthy individuals.