Teaching Respect

Respect is an important principle to share with your child, but it can be a hard concept to teach and show. The basic idea is that there are many different people in the world, each with his own thoughts, feelings and needs that all deserve to be considered. Teaching respect starts at home.

To help teach respectful behavior:

• Point out the feelings of others. For example, “Miles seems sad; what do you think will make him feel better?”
• Do not allow your child to hurt you or others and explain why certain things hurt.
• Discuss differences with your child, including people from various cultures and people who just have different likes and dislikes.
• Help your child practice ways to say “no” in kind ways.
• Practice taking turns with your child and teach him to take turns while playing or talking.
• Model respect in your daily interactions. Young children are extremely observant.
• Encourage your child to think of others and value their opinions as much as his own.
• Let your child take responsibility and think before you criticize.
• Praise your child when he shows respect, kindness and consideration.

Teaching respect is challenging but worthwhile!