A millennial couple from Bristol have sparked a debate on parenting after sharing 15 rules they enforce in their home. Daisy Woods and her partner Andy, who run the TikTok account @muddlethroughmummy, asked their 655,000 followers whether they considered their approach too strict.
Family Rules Unveiled
The parents of two boys, aged seven and eight, outlined a range of rules covering honesty, food, sleepovers, screen time, and weekend wake-up times. Daisy explained: 'If you tell us the truth, you will never get in trouble. That is a flat out rule.' She added that reasonable questions always receive honest answers, emphasising openness with children.
Food and Screen Time
Among the rules, children are not allowed to take food upstairs, and guests must remove shoes at the door. The couple enforce a one-hour screen limit on weekdays, with more flexibility at weekends. Screens are banned in the morning before school to avoid delays. They also avoid sugary cereals during the week, reserving them for weekends.
Sleepovers and Personal Choices
The family has a strict no-sleepover policy, though children can stay late and be picked up at 9pm. The parents also do not force their children to cut their hair or to kiss or cuddle anyone, including family members. 'Growing up, I was always told to kiss so and so goodbye. We've never made them do that,' Daisy said, noting that older generations sometimes find this awkward.
Health and Manners
Rule 11 requires brushing teeth twice a day for two minutes with no exceptions. The parents also instil manners and avoid swearing around the children. On food, they do not require children to finish their plate before having pudding. Instead, they use a 'three-bite rule' for new foods and never force children to clean their plate. Daisy shared that she experienced eating issues as a child and is trying a different approach.
Reactions
The video has garnered mixed reactions, with some praising the rules as balanced and others questioning the no-sleepover policy. The couple, however, remain confident in their parenting style, aiming to foster honesty, respect, and healthy habits.
