As the kids were growing up and getting ready to leave the
house it became clear that we needed to provide some guidance for both the
teenage years and after they left the house.
Oh we taught all the regular stuff, table manners, yes sir, no sir and
so on but these were “how to be a family” rules. The rules were posted on the refrigerator and
every once in a while a new rule would appear. Either out of desperation or exasperation. We have all continued our life’s journey and
don’t get together as often as I would like but I have tried to abide but these
rules and for the most part think the children do also.
Rules of the Bunning House
1. When you receive a package you have to call
the person that sent it on the same day.
I believe I wrote this one but not absolutely positive. I love sending packages and it is so much fun
to hear that someone liked what you sent, almost as much as it is to receive it…so
I really look forward to that call!
2. You always complement the cook. This has some history… My Mother was a great cook and had flair to
trying new things. In addition as she
got older, it seems anything she made that was spicy would just get hotter and
hotter…she would expect some sort of compliment at the conclusion of the meal
and God help the person who neglected this detail. Cooking is hard work; coming up with new
dishes that excite and satisfy a family is difficult. So we would always encourage our kids to compliment
the cook. It stuck and someone wrote it
on the frig, it was then and still is a good rule.
3. Always offer or help to clear the table and
do the dishes. I would have to think
their Mother put this one up, but I really believe in this one as well. When someone cooks for you, you need to do
the dishes, enough said.
4. Never forget a birthday, always call on
that day and try to send a card. I
must confess this seems very difficult for my children to do. Not sure why but
it is important to try to keep the magic of childhood for as long as possible. Even
when you are old…
5. You have to try everything that is served.
You
don’t have to take very much but you have to try new foods and revisit old ones
you don’t care for. This is a good way
to approach life, always willing to try new things. It is only when you stretch that you will
grow.
6. Drinking is not an excuse for being stupid. Everyone will drink to excess but you don’t
ever get to drink until you’re out of control and do something stupid.
7. Never say you don’t like something… Say
something like I don’t really care for that or not really hungry right now. Announcing at the table that you don’t like
something your Mother or host has served is a real “buzz kill”
I am sure there are rules I have missed but this is a good
start… add your own.
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