Our children are not born with a sense of respect, and teaching kids about respect will become our job as parents in their early childhood year. Your child must start to learn about respect at an early age to be better citizens in the world when they grow up. But how do you teach your child about respect? Where do you start?
Imagine – all a baby needs to do is to cry to get their needs. They cry when they are hungry. They cry when they are not happy about something. Crying is natural for them because it is their only way to express their emotions as they are not equipped with other ways just yet – not unless they learn how to say it.
Sometimes, because we tend to be so busy, we let them watch television or YouTube to learn so many things – both the good and the bad. Having them learn the wrong things as well makes it hard for us to teach your child about respect.
Here are things you can easily do as a parent today to teach your child about respect.
Teaching kids about respect
What is respect? Respect doesn’t come naturally, it has to be taught since young. Respect is a positive feeling or action to show you care about something or other people’s needs. There is a simple quote by Bryan which i think you should start teaching kids about respect is to listen to what another has to say first.
Sometimes, not just kids need to learn respect but adults also need to comprehend it first.
One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.”
– Bryan H. McGill
Now, let’s us see what are the 8 simple ways of teaching kids about respect one by one.
Confront Disrespect Early On.
If you find your child rude and disrespectful, intervene right away. Highlight that what was said or done is not the way you do it in this family. Remind them of the consequences if they try to say or do it again.
The Parents Need to be on the Same Team.
You and your co-parent must be on the same page when it comes to handling your child’s behavior. You cannot say one thing while your co-parent suddenly changes the rules. You have to sit down and talk about the rules – what is okay, acceptable, and not okay. You can both come up with a plan, plus the consequences both of you will give.
Teach your Child the Basic Manners.
Saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ can go a long way so that once your child goes to school or go out of the house, they will have these skills to fall back on. If they want some food, they have to learn how to say ‘please.’ If they already get something, they have to say ‘thank you’. Teach them eye to eye contact when they meet and talk to people, so on and so forth.
Show Your Respect to Your Child Too.
Being the adult in the room does not mean you are excused from respecting your child or others. Remember that you are your child’s first role model. You, as well as everybody in the household, must show that you are also respectful towards each other.
Also, when you treat your child, you must treat them with respect too. Show how you want to be respected, and they will do the same to you. At least, spend some good times together and listen intently to what they want is another way of showing respect to your child too.
Discuss Disrespect When Things are Calm.
When your child is showing disrespect, it will not be the best time to discuss what they are doing. Find the time when things are calm, clarify and discuss his behavior and your expectations privately in a quiet room. Do not humiliate them in front of other people.
At this time, you should already have set realistic expectations for your child’s behavior. Set limits beforehand, and so, when something happens, you can quickly go back to what you discussed before.
You Don’t Have to Please Your Child All the Time.
Your child is not your friend, although later on, when they are all grown-ups and understand what you have done for them, they can be your best friends.
But while they are still young, remember that he is still your child, and for you to coach them to function effectively, you have to learn how to say ‘No’ and point out what is wrong. Explain to them the reason why we think their action is not acceptable or not safe to others/themselves. If they understand the consequences, they will unlikely to challenge you.
Give Your Child a Chance on Decision Making.
Studies show that children who get the chance to participate in the decision benefit their social behavior. Your child will feel valued, and it shows that you see them as people who have feelings with their point of view. Next time, try asking them simple questions such as ‘What do you want to have for lunch or dinner?’.
Let Your Child Experience Other Culture.
Broaden your child’s respect by letting them experience other cultures. Let them read books featuring characters of different nationalities. Introduce another race by eating at a restaurant – for example, a Korean restaurant or a Turkish restaurant. Show them how Japanese and Chinese are showing their respect to others through language and physical gesture. Let them watch or study other countries’ history and traditions or if it allows, let them travel and experience them too.
As parents, we have to establish a culture of accountability in our homes. Indeed, it’s true that it is also easier to let things slide, especially when you are already stressed with the household chores, work, and a million other things.
However, this is our responsibility, and hopefully, with the above reminders and tips, our home can be a more peaceful sanctuary because respect is taught well.
Do you practice these 8 simple ways of teaching kids about respect? Share with us your experience in the comment box below.
Related post ” Good parenting advice“, “Teaching kids about good manners“