Weird Rules Strict Parents Had But We But Could Live Without
It is unclear how some rules get made up in the first place. Sometimes, they're passed on blindly from generation to generation, and other times, they're made up on the spot on a case by case basis.
Whatever the case, you're bound to hear some very interesting rules if you were to ask what kind of rules everyone else had as a child.
How It All Started
Dingus Khan invited his Twitter community to share what the weirdest rules they had as a child were. He broke the ice by sharing one of his own: not wearing shorts on Sundays.
This opened the door for some very interesting answers.
No Nicknames Shall Forsake A God-Given Name
This was obviously a religious home. I'd be interested to know the reason behind her parent's choice for the name "Carrie" and why it was so sacred. You can't really make a nickname out of Carrie anyway.
An Hour Extra For Curfew Every Year
Someone is obviously still very salty that they couldn't stay up past midnight in high school. This is very likely the type of child who moved out the day they turned 18 and stayed out till the crack of dawn on the first night alone.
Say "Toot" Instead Of "Fart"
Why does the word "fart" have such a bad rep? I mean, why is "toot" any better if they both refer to the exact same thing? They both feel and probably also smell the same.
Bedtime Only Applies To The First Child
If you're an older sibling, then you understand the frustration of the rules getting more and lax with every sibling, sometimes not even applying to them at all. It's like the first sibling is the test and then the parents stop caring the more kids come along.
Just Don't Get Arrested
There is such an array of things that can go wrong between "decent grades" and "getting arrested." They're basically on opposite ends of the spectrum. It's very hard to believe there were absolutely no other rules in between.
I Can't See Why
I suspect they didn't see eye to eye with their parents, but it isn't clear why they'd think this was a good solution to their problem. This kid's parents were very strict and very blurry.
Sighing Is Disrespectful
This rule is actually not unheard of. Sometimes, it's considered rude to sigh or yawn in the presence of other people because it comes off like they're boring or annoying you. But really, the more you hold it in, the more you want to do it, and sometimes it just happens naturally.
No Sleeping With Pillows Between The Knees
First off, sleeping with pillows between your knees doesn't sound that comfortable. However, it doesn't seem that dirty to do it. And if it is, it's a good thing the pillow cover can go in the washing machine.
No Sign Language At The Dinner Table
The sign language I get. The poor dad just didn't want to be left out. But what's wrong with the joyful act of singing as a family around the table?
No Rubbing Peanut Butter On The Ceiling
OK, but why were they rubbing peanut butter on the ceiling in the first place? Seems like a waste of creamy peanut butter. We need more context here. Otherwise, it seems like a fair rule.
No Watching Barney Because He Is Evil
Why did someone think a talking and singing man in a purple dinosaur suit was just what kids needed? That's the real issue here. Barney being magic and evil is a whole separate issue.
Not Allowed To Wear Adidas Jackets
Did their parents know that gangs also wear jeans and leather jackets sometimes? If we start banning everything that someone in a gang might wear, we might end up walking around naked and shoeless.
No Chipped Nail Polish
If you are a woman, you understand how much work it is to put on and take off nail polish. It's all fun and relaxing putting it on till you do the dishes 10 minutes later and half of it comes off and you have to find the time to take it all off.
No Celebrating Basically Anything
Christmas, Easter, and Halloween may or may not be celebrated depending on your religion, sure. But what's so bad about birthdays? Other than the fact that you're celebrating being a year closer to your death?
Not Allowed To Step Foot In The Living Room
Isn't funny how some homes devote an entire room to company because that's the room that has to stay as clean as possible and not look like it's part of a home where people live and breathe?
Jumanji Is Clearly "Satanic"
Did anyone try to tell this kid's parents that Jumanji isn't real and that movies based on children's books can't hurt you? It seems like it should be illegal to associate poor Robin Williams with Satanic rituals.
"Don't Leave Spoons In Dishes When I Go To The Casino"
There are too many superstitions in the world to try and understand them all, but I've never heard of not stepping over pillows or putting your purse on the floor, and now I'm really curious...
No Looking At The Microwave Window While It Cooks
I remember learning in science class in high school that microwaves emit radiation that can cause cancer if you stand too close to them. I also heard that vegetables lose their nutrients unless you boil them. So there is some logic behind these rules.
No Glasses At The Dinner Table
Are we talking about eyeglasses or drinking glasses here? Because what if you can't see your food without your eyeglasses, and what if you're really thirsty and need water from your drinking glass?
Must Provide A 24 Hour Notice For Permission To See Friends
I feel like this was a test of patience to build character and teach obedience rather than actually needing to "talk it over," because how much serious deliberation is truly required about two children getting together to play?
No Going To Church
This seems to be backwards? Usually, children were dragged out of bed early Sunday morning to go to church with their parents, not forbidden to go. Maybe it was really clever reverse psychology...
Not Allowed To Watch Disney Movies
I wonder what the dad's reason was for forbidding Disney movies, which are intended for children? Unless he has an issue with the company itself, but that's a different topic.
No Laughing Or Talking While Dad Drives
Is this because their dad was such a bad driver that any background noise could distract him, or was it just a way to shut the kids up for some peace of mind while in the car?
No Walking Under Trees At Night
I'm not sure I understand why you can't walk under trees at night, but I'm sure dads everywhere can relate to not allowing their daughter to talk to boys until the age of never.
No Wearing Tennis Shoes
Aren't tennis shoes the shoe of choice that they recommend when you have foot problems? I can only imagine what the rules were regarding wearing heels, which will actually cause severe pain...
No Flip-Flops Or Bare Feet
This is actually a pretty common one as well. Even though most homes keep shoes at the door, many still opt for wearing slippers around the house. What the difference is between flip flops and fluffy slippers is, though, is unclear.
No Shirts With Writing On Them
What if the shirt said something nice though like "I like pizza"? There was just something cool about having writing on your shirts back in the day, it was like having your own personal slogan.
Don't Turn The Stove Directly To High
You don't want to hurt the stove's feelings or worse...disturb it. I feel like this is probably a rule that was somehow carried out from gas stoves on to electric ones.
You Can Only Open The Shower Curtain From The left
The showerhead is on the right side, so I'm guessing someone had it on and opened the curtain from the right, got splashed everywhere, and decided to never take the risk again.
