Remember the golden rule

We have a golden rule in our home. Well, we have a few. But this one, I wish was a universal thing. For our family, we take a Biblical stance. But I’m pretty sure it spans across all religions in some form. Really, it’s just common sense. I believe the world would be a better place if we could all just apply this:

Or some others way to put this:

• So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12)
• Treat other people how you want to be treated
• Put out into the world what you want to get back
• Don’t treat others in a way that you wouldn’t want to be treated
• Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself

We can say it different ways but it comes down to the same thing as far as I’m concerned. We all have the power to make this world a better place simply by thinking about our actions and never treating anyone in a way that we wouldn’t accept for ourselves, our mother, our little sister, our best friend…

Now I have to tell you the gorgeous logic of my seven-year old when applying this rule. Often at home I just have to give one of the kids ‘the look’ and utter the words ‘do unto others…’ and that’s enough to put perspective on a dubious behaviour. So it’s fair to say they know the ‘rule’ well. I recently posted about troubles Nat is having with bullying – part of these discussions have included me telling Nat that she doesn’t have to like her bully, but she does still have to treat her respectfully. Well, here’s Nat’s logic:

“But mum, she’s being mean to me all the time. So that means she is OK with me being rude back to her. You KNOW. Treat others how you want to be treated. She’s fine with mean cos that’s how she treats people.”

What’s a mama to say to that? haha.