The "rules" no one writes down.

So I saw a post on FaceBook this morning that was titled, "25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age Nine". I agreed with the article, but it got me thinking, too.

We've always tried hard to instill in our children a gratefulness and appreciation for the things they have. We've worked at teaching them manners to be used both at home and in public (not that they readily remember them when the time comes). But there are a few things (rules, per se) that weren't on the list so I thought I'd add a few...

1. Don't try to wipe your boogers on your siblings. Use a tissue and wash your hands.
2. Don't lick the dog. I don't want to have to pull the hair out of your mouth... again.
3. When I'm on the phone with a doctor, a grandparent, a social services employee, or anyone from your school please refrain from acting like a herd of monkeys - or at least be quiet monkeys until I'm off the phone.
4. For the love of Mark Ruffalo flush the toilet!
5. Don't smear your banana covered fingers on the sliding glass door. The dog licks it off and it makes me want to throw up.
6. If, during bedtime story, you find that I'm skipping pages or only reading the first and last sentences of each paragraph, just go with it. It's for my your own good.
7. Sidewalk chalk is for the sidewalk. Not the carpet in your bedroom, the bumper of the suburban, or snack.
8. When you're flossing your teeth and you find something in there, feel free to not show everyone.
9. Announcing "number 1" or "number two" is not necessary when you're heading to the bathroom. No one wants to know.
10. House-plants drink water. Not juice or chocolate milk.

I can think of MANY more, but this is a good start. What are some of your house rules?