How to Teach a Child Respect

As a child grows out of being an infant and begins to notice and react to the world around them, you may find yourself wondering how you possibly impart all of the things that they need to become a responsible, respectful adult. Respect is the foundation of a meaningful and successful life; a child who learns to respect all he meets not only receives respect from others in kind, but learns to respect himself as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Show your child respect. This is perhaps the best way to teach your child how to respect others. Listen to your child by giving her your full attention and she will learn to listen to you, understanding how important this is in relationships.

2. Teach manners by using polite requests and responses. The more you say "please" and "thank you" to your child, the more likely he will learn to use them with you and others. Politeness then becomes a normal part of any conversation.

3. Agree to disagree. Try to remember that a child is still a person with thoughts and opinions of her own which won't always mesh with yours. Explain your decision so that she will understand your reasoning and expect respectful responses. Disagreeing with you doesn't equate to disobedience.

4. Squash your impulse to overreact. When a situation arises between you and your child that requires firmness, keep in mind that you are supposed to be modeling correct behavior. If he sees you lose your temper, he is more likely to react that way with you and others in future disagreements.

5. Define boundaries. A child may act like she wants free reign, but ultimately will respect being given limits. Let your child know what's expected. Be firm and kind in your discipline when limits are pushed.

6. Praise, praise, praise! So much is focused on what a child does wrong and how to correct it that the accomplishments are not celebrated enough. When you see your child exhibit respectful behavior in the home and in public, make sure he knows just how proud you are of him.

Tips & Warnings

• Be honest with your child, admitting when you do something wrong and apologizing for it.
• Give your child a chance to make her own choices and then to take responsibility for them.
• Hand out the compliments freely and be generous with positive reinforcement.
• Assist your child with setting and achieving realistic goals.
• Follow up on what you say, keeping promises and implementing discipline.