How to Teach Children the Meaning of Respect

Teaching your children the meaning of respect begins early, with a clear understanding between you and your child about how you expect them to act. Create a foundation for your child that encourages respect for you, your spouse and others. Make sure that your children understand that respect is a mindset and should be part of every decision that your children make. Guide them as their most important moral teacher and provide a consistent example for how you wish your children to act towards others.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin explaining what respect is and why it is important when your child is still a toddler. Explain what it means to have personal boundaries and tell your daughter why they are important. Be honest, while remaining patient enough to answer questions and address any confusing points to her. Explain that respect is about her understanding that those around her are individuals, just like herself and should be treated as she expects to be treated.

    • 2

      Role play situations with your child, letting him demonstrate his understanding of respect and how to use it in difficult situations. Explain a situation to your son and instruct him to react as he feels he should. For instance, if you want your son to learn how to respect people in the service industry, you play the role of a convenience store clerk and let your son show you how he believes he should act. Correct him if he makes a mistake and later take him to the store with you and let him practice there.

    • 3

      Select books and movies that demonstrate both respectful interactions and disrespectful interactions. Read or watch them with your child and stop after you encounter one of those interactions. Ask your daughter if the interaction was right or wrong and then ask her to explain why. Listen to her justification and determine if she understands the meaning of respect and how to use it correctly.

    • 4

      Observe your child carefully while he is young. Listen to how he treats those around him and the language he uses with others. Make sure he understands that words have real meanings and that harsh language can hurt people's feelings. Correct his mistakes and give him the opportunity to correct those errors. For instance, if you notice your son using a derogatory word towards another child, pull him aside and explain his error before sending him to apologize to the insulted child.

    • 5

      Be your child's best example by showing respect to those around you and treating your family with respect. Remind yourself that your daughter will see your actions as a model for how she should act. Remember that you cannot make her forget seeing you treat someone disrespectfully.

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