Things West Texas Grandparents Were Weirdly Strict About

I grew up at my grandparents' house nearly every single day. They lived just down the street from us, and the moment my eyes opened each day, I was immediately looking for an excuse to go to their house.

Their house was the coolest, but it came with a specific set of rules I wasn't used to at our house. I'm sure yours had similar rules. Let's take a look at the things our grandparents were extra strict about.

Respecting The Furniture

round orange plastic bowl on green sofa — Photo by Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash

You couldn't just sit up on the armrest all willy-nilly. You had to respect the furniture and sit like a little lady (or gentleman), which was VERY hard to do at 7. You could play outside as much as you want, as long as the mud on your shoes didn't ever come into contact with the "new couch."

Finishing Your Food

red strawberry on white ceramic plate — Photo by Matt McKenna on Unsplash

Our grandparents grew up in the Dust Bowl. There's a good chance yours wouldn't let you leave the table before finishing your plate, just like mine.

Answer Adults Properly

a little girl sitting at a table with a man — Photo by Lia Den on Unsplash

Before I left their house to play with friends in the neighborhood, my grandmother would say, "And, what do we say?"

I would respond quickly, "Yes, ma'am. No, Ma'am. Please and thank you."

Staying Out of Grandma's Kitchen

woman in pink and white floral button up shirt holding brown wooden tray — Photo by CDC on Unsplash

If Granny was cooking, you'd better scoot.

Nobody cared where you went. They were looking out for your safety. Don't wanna get caught with your fingers in the pot.

Looking Presentable For Church

a man holding a basket of flowers — Photo by Laura Ohlman on Unsplash

You might get away with wearing a t-shirt to church on Wednesday nights if your grandma wasn't looking, but try that on a Sunday morning, and you're gonna get a stern talking to.