"These are the rules!" But you didn't understand....

[TonyB06]

The last 3 posters have essentially said the same thing. Parental "rules" flow from parental styles. You (as parent(s)) set the parameters/boundaries for behavior and most kids will operate within that construct or face corrective penalties.

It worked for me, and I use it with my girls. Of course, they have differing personalities I have to take into account but for the most part it works.