Growing up I have always lived in a VERY strict household, which I still live in. At times this seems overwhelming and overbearing, but you eventually just get used to it. You even end up forgetting that not every parent is like this because it just seems so normal. These were some things I have experienced growing up in a strict household:
1. You do not, I repeat, you do not miss curfew.
In my house every minute you were late, was a day you were grounded.
2. Mediocre grades are not acceptable
A C was not a grade that I was allowed to have. I had to have all A's and B's and a decent GPA. If you did not have all good grades I was grounded until they were back up. Let's just say this one left me in my room for most of my sophomore year of high school.
3. A parent does not repeat themselves, so listen up.
I was always taught that a parent should not have to tell you something more than once. So they were not happy if they had to tell you something more than once.
4. Do not talk back or have an attitude
This was one of the more funny ones. So If I was being sassy or whatever I had to write sentences in a notebook about what I did wrong. YES, SENTENCES. In a spiral notebook writing over and over, 'I will not talk back" or something like that at least a hundred times!
5. You also had a limited vocabulary
There were several words I was not able to use as a sign of respect. For example, "dumb" was a word I wasn't able to use growing up.
6. You're cleaning was held to a whole new standard
Your room and whatever else you were working on must be shining. When I was younger this was the hardest thing, I hated cleaning. Well, I still do.
7. Some punishments were more creative than others
My mom was a personal trainer so sometimes when I was being particularly bad that reflected in her punishment style. Sometimes I would be told I had to run our basement stairs a set number of times. I was in sports, so I guess this one at least helped keep me in shape!
8. Technology was limited
From a young age, I was only allowed to watch certain channels on tv and only visit certain websites. When social media became more popular I was allowed to have it but, my mom had to be my friend and she had to have all my passwords. As for a phone, she did random checks to look at my messages.
To people who did not grow up with strict parents some of these might sound completely crazy but for someone who did it taught me so many things. It taught me honesty and to do the right thing. It taught me to not only respect my parents but anyone of authority. It also taught me how to be a respectful and responsible person.
Living under rules didn't make me feel limited, it made me grow up and learn to hold myself to a higher standard. Some of these things have really impacted my life as an adult. Such as getting great grades in college and knowing how to multitask everything in my life.
When you are a child all these things are terrible, but when you grow up you kind of appreciate the strict ways of your parents and your household.