to wonder what is the point in obeying rules.

[lincsslass78]

A few recent example.
I always make sure I arrive at swimming classes early as they have a rule that you must arrive 5 minutes before. Yet others arrive when its due to start but still get in.
I refuse to take dd out of school even for a day in term time as its not allowed. Mich to dh's annoyance. Yet other people do it all the time.
I always follow thae arrows in car parks. Yet today I sat in my car and about 9 out of 10 driver's ignored them.
It just seems to me that some people are selfish.
AIBU to think what is the point?

AIBU to think what is the point?

I think its useful to think about which rules have a point.

a pencil.

What is the point?

Depends on the rule really.

Do you really refuse to take your DD out of school because it's 'not allowed', rather than, say, because you believe it's important for her to not miss any days unnecessarily?

Or arrive at swimming 5 minutes early because 'it's the rule' rather than to make sure you're on time and give your DC time to get ready?

In which case it wouldn't really matter to you whether other people kept to the rules or not?

Do you ALWAYS follow the rules? If so you are positively angelic

But as I tell my DS, I am not interested in what other people do, I am interested in what YOU do!!

If it pisses you off then rebel a bit :)

I think it all boils down to why the rules are there, and why and how you break them.

Following rules blindly is as bad as breaking rules without thought.

Some rules I follow (driving on the left hand side, would be silly not to) some I don't (don't take your own snacks and drinks to the cinema, refuse to pay lots for crap).

I'm another one who always follows rules...ie no mobile phones in docs, dentist, even the vets. However this is the 1st year i am going to take dd's out of school for 4 days in May as its the only chance for us to have a holiday. They both have 100% attendance up to now though.

A book I once read said something along the lines of "Rules are there to make you think before breaking them."

Well, I come from a family who believes that unless you're five minutes early, you're late, and think it is not a good trait to consider yourself so much more important than others that you can keep them waiting (I mean regularly, not genuine breakdown in arrangements).

I agree children should be in school all term

And direction arrows in carparks are to improve the flow and improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians. It's inconsiderate to ignore them.

YANBU - but two wrongs don't make a right. But you can't police the lack of consideration of others (even when it's staggering and frequent). You can find succour in knowing there are those who agree with you. And breathe.

Rules are made for fools to follow and wise (wo)men to interpret.

What's the point of the five mins early for swimming rule. I'm guessing it's just so the class starts on time so if others are there and ready to get in on time without being 5 mins early I can't see the prob. Arrows in car park are helpful in a busy car park and should be followed. I wouldn't drive all round an empty car park just for the sake of not going against arrow briefly though. Personally I think not taking kids out of school is important and wouldn't take my kids out except in most extraordinary circs. You have to form your own judgements.

The point of the 5 minutes before swimming rule is to give you time to change. Those who flout this rule end up late at poolside and interupt the lesson as the teacher or assistant has to stop to put tummy bands on the late child.
Of course I would question rules which appear daft.