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Step 1
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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Step 2
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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Step 3
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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Step 4
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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Step 5
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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Step 6
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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Step 7
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.
