Five Tips to Instill Respect

Respecting others in thought, word, and deed is a foundational virtue to instill in young children. When respect reigns in the family, children learn to be kind and thoughtful to others. It’s a simple fact, adult behaviors are the direct model for kids.

The antithesis of respect is rudeness and disrespect. With young children, disobedience and uncooperative behaviors are grounded in lack of respect. Here are five tips to foster this virtue in your family.

Five Tips for Instilling Respect in Children
1. Expect respect, always.
2. Model kindness and respect. Be responsible for your own actions and words.
3. Use a soft voice in close proximity of the child when giving directives.
4. Insist on apologies and making amends when a child is disrespectful. 
5. Train a child to respectfully state an opinion and listen to others.

Use the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” with your children. Thinking about how one would like to be treated builds empathy. This points children in the right direction to be kind and respectful.

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them,
for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12

© 2021 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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