Implementing rules can be a daunting task for both parents and children alike. Nonetheless, experts emphasize that certain parenting guidelines should remain steadfast and unyielding.

“Setting boundaries often feels like one of the most challenging aspects of parenting,” states Dr. Michelle Chung, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of The Modern Approach to Parenting, a non-profit organization. She shared with HuffPost, “We aim for our kids to feel trusted, capable, and liberated. At the same time, we want them to be safe, well-rested, and emotionally healthy — which are not always easily aligned goals.”

Parents establish rules for numerous reasons, and sometimes strictness is necessary. Here, we outline four non-negotiable parenting rules that experts advise should remain firm, even if perceived as overly strict.

No electronics in the bedroom at night.

Many adults have the habit of bringing their phones to bed, whether it’s to catch up on news or endlessly scroll through TikTok late into the night. While this can disrupt sleep for adults, it poses even greater risks for children, impacting their sleep patterns and mental health.

“Even as adults, we struggle to resist the allure of our phones when we’re tired, bored, or stressed,” explains Chung. “For children and teenagers, whose brains are still in the process of mastering impulse and emotional regulation, that small, glowing screen can dominate their focus, social interactions, and sleep.”

Chung continued, “Protecting their nights means protecting their mental health. It’s saying ‘I know rest is the foundation for everything you dream of doing — and I’m going to help you guard it.’ ”

Everyone does chores. No exceptions.

Requiring children to do chores isn’t just about keeping the house in order. Assigning age-appropriate tasks and ensuring they are completed helps teach responsibility, confidence, and long-term life skills.

“When kids contribute to the running of the home, they learn that they are capable, needed and responsible for more than their own comfort, Robyn Koslowitz, Ph.D., a clinical child psychologist and author of “Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be,” told HuffPost.

She added that enforcing chore time, helps to combat the “everything is about me” mindset.

Homework comes before screens.

This is a perfect rule for parents to enforce the “work before play” mantra.

“This rule teaches follow-through, planning and the ability to delay gratification,” explained Emily Greenberg, co-founder, president and parenting coach at the Joy Parenting Club. “It removes daily bargaining battles and supports the long-term skill of managing responsibilities before distractions.”

Greenberg added, “The goal isn’t perfection. It’s helping kids build habits that make life easier for their future selves.”

Letting parents or adults know where you’re going

This rule is geared more toward older children. Ensuring kids communicate their plans before leaving the house is considered an essential safety measure.

“This rule helps kids learn the lifelong skill of communicating their whereabouts. It reinforces that safety is a shared responsibility and teaches kids to pause and check in before making independent decisions,” explained Greenberg.

She concluded, “Developmentally, kids feel more confident exploring when they know the adults in their world are tuned in and paying attention.”

To read a few more of the experts’ non-negotiable rules, click here.