How to Get a Kid's Respect
Earning a child's respect is extremely important if you want to influence that child in any way, whether you are a parent, a teacher or a coach. Gaining respect also is necessary if you want to enjoy a healthy relationship with the child. If you don't have a child's respect, you are likely to be ignored or to encounter behavior problems. Getting a kid's respect is a process that requires deliberate and consistent actions on your part.
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Instructions
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Set boundaries right from the start and enforce them consistently. As an adult, it is your job to set boundaries for a child who is in your care. Children may balk at rules at first, but they respect an adult who sets and enforces them. Appropriate rules ultimately communicate love and concern because they are in the best interest of a child.
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Communicate with the child in an age-appropriate manner. If you talk down to a kid, you will lose respect in his eyes. Avoid trying to be overly silly or funny. Make eye contact and use words that the child understands.
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Admit your failings and ask for forgiveness if necessary. A child needs to see that you aren't perfect and that you are humble enough to admit your mistakes.
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Set an example. Although no one is perfect, a child will respect an adult who generally behaves with integrity and respect toward others. This includes showing respect to the child through the ways in which you speak to him and act toward him. Use expressions that show good manners, such as prefacing a request with "please." Avoid calling the child names or laughing at him if he makes a mistake.
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Spend time with the child and show her basic acts of kindness. If a child knows that you care about her, she is more likely to respect you.
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Reward a child for positive behavior and enforce discipline for negative behavior. Rewarding positive behavior builds respect because you show that you are noticing a child's efforts. Discipline also builds respect because it shows that you care how a child behaves and develops as a person. Discipline negative behavior in a way that models respect. Explain consequences calmly and avoid speaking in a demeaning way to a child.
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References
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