A daughter recalls her family’s ‘weird’ rules—and parents everywhere are taking notes
Credit: Tiktok/@michel.c.janse
Breakfast alternated between “even” and “odd” days—cereal on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th, and protein-rich meals like eggs and fruit on the others.
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What started as a light-hearted TikTok post has quickly become a masterclass in inventive parenting. Michel Janse shared clips of the “weird” systems her parents implemented growing up—from themed dinners and poker-chip screen time to a trio of piggy banks for saving, spending, and giving. The video, which has already racked up over 5.4 million views, left parents scrolling for a pen and notebook.
Inside the “weird” rules that actually worked
In her video, she walks viewers through some of the “weird” but intentional rules her family followed growing up.
Breakfast alternated between “even” and “odd” days—cereal on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th, and protein-rich meals like eggs and fruit on the others—her mom’s way of balancing sugar and nutrition. Screen time was managed with poker chips, each representing 10 minutes, and kids received three per day during the summer.
Chores came with incentives, too: going above and beyond could earn a $12 allowance. Money lessons extended further with three piggy banks—one for giving, one for saving, and one for play.
Dinner was another opportunity for fun: the family would gamify meals, forming teams (often her and her dad versus her sister and mom) to plan, prep, and decorate around a theme.
Related: 7 rules for high-energy children that help our family
Why playful rules stick long after childhood
A study published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy found that engaging children in household chores, especially self-care and family-care tasks, improves executive functions like working memory and impulse control.
According to Embolden World, children who have regular household chores tend to develop higher self-esteem, a stronger sense of responsibility, and an improved ability to manage frustration and practice delayed gratification—all key aspects of executive functioning.
When the internet applauds intentional parenting
Janse’s TikTok sparked a wave of admiration in the comments. Parents and onlookers were quick to recognise what many had hoped for but rarely seen: thoughtful, creative, and consistent guidance that actually worked.
The thread highlights a truth many parents feel but don’t always hear: when rules are applied with intention and love, they leave a lasting impression.
- “Your mom was creative, not weird.” — @tlain04
- “Ah, so you were raised, RAISED.” — @christinewood68
- “Sorry but your parents are brilliant. They created healthy boundaries and responsibility.” — @sueannuhh
- “It sounds like your parents liked parenting.” — @carlsnesc
Little hacks, big lessons: What kids really learn
When it comes to parenting “systems,” it’s often the smallest tweaks that leave the biggest impression. These creative, low-stress ideas show kids that structure doesn’t have to mean rigidity—and that everyday routines can double as powerful life lessons in independence, patience, and planning.
- Poker chips for screen time: Each chip represented 10 minutes of TV or computer use. Kids learned to plan ahead, save up, and make choices. Start small—maybe just a few chips for a single week—and see how your child responds.
- Alternating breakfasts: To balance fun and nutrition, breakfast alternated between “even” and “odd” days—cereal on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th, and protein-rich meals like eggs or fruit on the others. A small pattern like this can simplify morning decisions and help kids understand moderation in a way that feels fair, not restrictive.
- Chores with built-in rewards: Everyday tasks came with a twist—going above and beyond earned a small allowance or extra privilege. This approach reinforces effort and initiative, helping kids connect responsibility with positive outcomes instead of resistance.
- Three piggy banks for money lessons: One for saving, one for spending, one for giving. Even small amounts help children understand resource management, generosity, and delayed reward.
- Themed dinners: Turning meals into games encouraged planning, creativity, and teamwork. Let kids pick a theme, help shop or prep, and add fun touches like table decorations. Begin with one dinner a month and expand if it sparks excitement.
Related: She left the family vacation five days early—what happened next reignited a parenting firestorm
The magic of intentional parenting
Janse’s TikTok is proof that thoughtful parenting doesn’t have to be rigid or conventional. By gamifying life in small ways, her parents left a lasting impact—instilling skills, joy, and independence that carried into adulthood. Parents watching her videos aren’t just entertained; they’re taking notes, inspired to translate playful systems into their own homes.
Source:
- Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2022. “Executive functions and household chores: Does engagement in chores predict children’s cognition?”
- Embolden World. 2021. “The Neuropsychology Of Chores.”
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