How to Teach Boys to Respect Authority

Boys can find it difficult to show respect, particularly to their parents. They test limits to see how far they can bend the rules before they get in trouble. Although this is a normal way to assert independence, children must have limits and learn to show respect. If a child is taught to respect his parents, he will naturally respect teachers, police officers and other authority figures.

Instructions

    • 1

      Build a strong, lasting relationship with your son. Open communication, honesty and love will teach him that he can trust you and the decisions you make. As he gets older he will realize that, because you have always cared about him, the rules you set are for his protection and to help him become a respectful, responsible adult.

    • 2

      Set expectations. Rules and limits provide structure and the opportunity to respect other people. Be wise in the rules and consequences you set. Do not require your son to do more than he's capable of, and ensure that discipline corresponds with the infraction. If your son doesn't complete his chores one day, remove privileges for that day rather than grounding him for a month. Likewise, sweeping and mopping the floor is an inappropriate chore for a 6-year-old boy, but he would be able to feed a pet or set the table.

    • 3

      Negotiate when possible. Chores, curfew and homework are non-negotiable, but you may want to negotiate consequences and rewards, for example. If your son has input on what happens in his life, such as how he dresses or the music he listens to, he will feel respected by you and will show you respect in return.

    • 4

      Teach your son how to communicate politely with others. Learning proper manners and vocabulary help your child show respect. Your child should use "please" and "thank you" often. When he yells what he wants, such as, "Get me a cookie!" explain that it's inappropriate to speak that way. Show him how to use words to get what he wants: "If you would like a cookie, ask me nicely please. Say, 'Mom, can I please have a cookie?'" Have him practice using appropriate words.

    • 5

      Require your son to show respect even when his opinion differs from yours. Do not allow name-calling, yelling or other disrespect.

    • 6

      Discipline your child for disrespectful behavior. For a younger child, give a time-out in minutes equal to his age. For example, your 7-year-old son would require a seven-minute cool down period. With older children, remove privileges such as computer time or use of his cell phone.

    • 7

      Talk about disrespectful behavior. Ask your son what triggered the behavior and how he should handle the situation next time. Encourage him to speak and act respectfully.

    • 8

      Catch your son showing respect and give plenty of praise. Praising respectful behavior provides positive reinforcement, which encourages repeat behavior.

    • 9

      Show your son and other people respect, and he will follow your example.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Children's Behavior After a Hospital Discharge
      A hospital stay is a stressful experience for a child, no matter how minor or major the procedure. Once your child comes home, you might breathe a sigh of relief, but you might find that the child who did so well in the hospital develops emotional an
    • How to Stop the Fights Over TV Versus Homework
      Your childs habit of blasting cartoons or watching movies all day long is not only annoying and disruptive -- it could also be damaging to his well-being. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, an excess of media -- which might include TV,
    • 7 Pink Flags That Could Signal a Behavioral or Emotional Disorder in Your Child
      Behavioral and mental health issues are very common. In fact, millions of children have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, attention deficit disorder, and ADHD worldwide. These conditions are normal, as are other behavioral di