The 11 rules of coexistence for boys and girls

Education, in a certain way, is a value that is transmitted throughout life. It is a tool that allows us to build our own personality, and that allows us to lay the foundations for living in society.

Why is it important to educate in coexistence? What are the rules of coexistence? What are they for? In this article we will answer these questions, and also, we will propose 11 rules of coexistence for boys and girls.

• Related article: "How to apply the rules of coexistence at home"

House Rules?

What are the rules of coexistence and what are they for? To answer these questions, first we are going to do a little reflection.

We will probably spend our whole life -or a large part of it- living in society, unless we we go to live in the mountains as a spiritual respite, or as an alternative personal life and respectable.

The fact of living in society implies interacting continuously with other people, similar to us or tremendously different from our way of being, thinking, dressing, etc. That is why it is essential to establish a minimum of rules of coexistence to be able to interact in an orderly, respectful and healthy way.

These norms reflect "rules of life" or ways of behaving towards others, and will help us to respect others and act so that we respect ourselves. Thus, it is important that we transmit these rules to the little ones, so that they grow up in a healthy way, interacting with others in an appropriate way and always respecting their individual freedom (of choice, thought, expression, etc.).

In this article We propose 11 basic rules of coexistence for boys and girls, which will teach the little ones how they should act from a social point of view when they find themselves in situations that involve contact with other people. These rules, if they are acquired from a young age, will lay the foundation for an education in adult coexistence.

11 rules of coexistence for boys and girls

Now that we have seen what the rules of coexistence are, what they are for and why they are so important, We are going to know the 11 rules of coexistence for boys and girls below.

1. Say hello when you arrive at a site

The first of the rules of coexistence for boys and girls that we consider important is the fact of greeting whenever you arrive at a place. Greeting implies being polite and is part of the basic rules of coexistence in society. It is not necessary to always greet with two kisses (as is the tradition in Spain), but simply say "Hello" when you arrive (or "good morning", "good afternoon", etc.).

2. say goodbye when leaving

In the same way that it is important to greet, It is also important to say goodbye when you leave. It is also a norm and an action that denotes education and good manners. In addition, we all like people to say goodbye to us when they leave a place, a meeting, a meeting, etc.

3. Give the thanks

Another of the rules of coexistence for boys and girls is say thank you when they do us a favor or when they have a generous act with usEven if it's just opening the door. Being grateful and grateful is a sign of respect and consideration towards others, intrinsic values ​​in a good coexistence.

4. Return the things that leave us

The following rule of coexistence is to return the things that have been lent to us. In the same way that we like things to be left with us, the other person likes to have them returned. This small action will make others have enough confidence in us in the future to continue leaving things for us.

5. Share

Sharing implies being generous with others and not thinking only of oneself. Thus, we can consider this action another of the important rules of coexistence for boys and girls to transmit to the little ones.

Boys and girls have to understand that, in the same way that they would like others to share with them on occasion, they should reciprocate in that sense. This, logically, does not mean that we must make them understand that they must share everything.

6. Ask permission

Another important rule for the little ones and that it is good that they understand since they begin to have reason, is the fact of asking permission when we want to use something that is not ours, for example.

We will also ask for permission (and this is how we will transmit it to the children) when we want to enter a place that is not "ours", when we want to go to the bathroom of a friend or family member's house, etc.

7. Hear

It seems something very logical, but it also seems important to us to consider this action as another of the rules of coexistence for boys and girls, and it is the fact of listening when they speak to us. We all like to be heard when we speak, so it is another sign of respect and politeness to also listen to others when they speak to us.

Listening implies paying attention and showing interest in what is explained to us. Sometimes what they tell us will not be interesting to us (we should not deceive either), but we do show respect and consideration.

It is natural and frequent to feel envy or jealousy for the possessions (or for non-material things) of others, especially when we are little and “we don't have that”. However, it is good to transmit to the little ones that not all of us have to have the same thing and that comparing ourselves with others or envying them does not imply anything good for us, on the contrary.

It is important to convey the idea of ​​being happy with what we have, while continuing to fight for the things we want to achieve.

9. respond when they speak to us

Another of the rules of coexistence for boys and girls, which also seems very logical, is the fact of responding when they speak directly to us. Many children get used to not responding when they talk to them (especially to adults), either out of shame, fear, laziness...

It is good to convey the idea of ​​responding to the things they tell us, and if we do not want to continue talking, let the other know as well.

Being assertive or assertive implies the ability to know how to say "no" to situations, questions or offers that we do not want; intrinsically, it implies learning to defend our tastes, interests, desires and rights. This is essential to respect yourself before others. It is not easy to achieve, since assertiveness must be worked hard, and there are people who find it more difficult to be assertive.

However, it is essential to work on this "norm" with the boys and girls, so that when they are adults have learned to say what they really think, without disrespecting anyone (or hurting nobody). It is about expressing what we want in a sincere and polite way.

11. Ask for forgiveness

Another fundamental rule for coexistence is ask for forgiveness when we hurt someone or when we disrespect them. Sometimes we hurt others (or simply annoy them) unconsciously and unintentionally; In any case, also on these occasions, it is important to apologize.

Asking for forgiveness is a show of empathy and respect for others, which will help us take care of friendships.

Bibliographic references:

• Mena, M. L. (2009). School life. Enfoques Educacionales Magazine, 11(1): 55-64.

• noted, c. (1998). Rules of coexistence in the classroom and in the center. How to answer to the conflicts. Discipline in secondary education. Classroom Library, Graó.

• Olea, J.C. (2003). Psychology of coexistence: practical contributions. Multidisciplinary Meetings, 1-7.