How to Teach Children to be Respectful
Parenting is truly on-the-job training that continues throughout the child's time at home. The home scene can be a happy one when a child is respectful. Likewise, as the child grows older, school and work can go more smoothly when a child shows respect for others. Here are some tips on how to raise a respectful child.
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Instructions
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Discuss the attitudes children show in television shows. If a child is disrespectful to his or her parents, ask the child if it makes the home happier. Also, ask the child if it is really true that an 8-year-old would know more than someone who is 30.
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Exercise your authority as parents. If parents support their children yet maintain firm limits, children tend to excel in academics, develop better social skills and are happier.
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Define rules and enforce them quickly, but fairly, and without anger. If children live without structure, they become self-absorbed, selfish and unhappy. Write down a list of rules and consequences so that no misunderstandings arise.
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Learn what works best with your child when it comes to discipline, because discipline can irritate the child rather than correct the situation. One child will respond to a glance. Another child will require a time-out or taking away privileges.
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Be consistent in your expectations. If a child is disrespectful and is reminded about it on one occasion but not others, the child will learn that respect is not an important issue.
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Teach by example, because your actions speak louder than words. Parents must be respectful to their children and to each other. Screaming at each other does not promote respect.
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Reward children for good behavior. For example, a child who learns to hold the door open for others, instead of barging ahead, might be promised a special book or other treat for exhibiting this respectful behavior for a month. Respectful behavior then becomes the norm rather than the exception.
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Tips & Warnings
Give children your time. Many studies show that children want more time from their parents, and a strong connection with a parent is a deterrent to high-risk behavior.
