How to Raise a Respectful Child

Raising a respectful child is one of the most important tasks a parent can undertake. Follow the steps below to teach respect.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Show your child that respect begins with being polite when asking for something. A respectful child always uses "please" and "thank you." Children in the South are taught from an early age to use "yes sir" yes ma'am" or "no sir" and "no ma'am" as proper responses to all adults.

2. Be firm with your child to show respect for what you ask him to do, but be kind to show respect for him. Let your child know by your actions that you will get farther in a situation by being kind than by being too demanding.

3. Allow your child to cool down after a disagreement before you discuss the issue at hand. Show him that you respect his difference of opinion and would like to discuss it rationally and not in the heat of the moment.

4. React in a rational manner when your child does not show the respect that you desire. Continue reinforcing respectful behavior and don't overreact to lapses in the teaching process.

5. Be quick to praise your child when he uses respectful behavior. Be specific with your praise. Instead of saying "good job," say "the way you respectfully asked for a treat was so nice to hear."

Tips & Warnings

• The way to expect respect from a child is to teach by example. You will raise a respectful child if you are a respectful adult. The process of raising a respectful child will have its speed bumps, but be worthwhile in the end.
• Do not expect the level of understanding from a toddler that you would expect from a teenager, but a child is never too young to begin learning how to be respectful.

Resources

• Website will direct you to parenting advice