How to Teach Children Respectful Behavior
When children are respectful, it has a multitude of positive effects. A strong connection with others, a sense of generosity, and the thoughtfulness to reciprocate kindness with others are all characteristics that teaching respectful behavior promotes, according to child psychologist and Fisher-Price.com contributor Dr. Kenneth N. Condrell. You can teach your little ones how to be respectful as they grow, and by doing so, you'll be instilling in them values and service.
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Instructions
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Be a positive role model to your children. Set an example by being respectful at all times. When they see your actions, they're likely to mimic your positive behavior. Your little ones also need to see you not only show respect for others, but that you also respect yourself, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. Develop your own interests, recognize your mistakes and take time for yourself. Doing these things will help your children learn self respect as well.
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Encourage children to communicate their feelings, and as a parent or youth leader, stress the importance of respecting the thoughts and perceptions of others, according to Education.com. Teaching children that there are various ways to perceive a particular thing or thought helps youngsters become more open-minded and flexible in terms of respecting and understanding others. As a family, volunteer at a local animal shelter or soup kitchen. This will allow your child to learn about the needs of others. Having an understanding of others helps children learn respect.
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Role-play with your children. Many children learn things more efficiently and retain more information when they act out scenarios, or role-play. Create specific scenarios that relate to both respect and disrespect, suggests the University of Minnesota Extension. For example, allow your child to pretend to be a parent while you pretend to be a child who is acting selfishly. Or, you play the parent and give your youngster the opportunity to pretend to be a mannerly child who uses phrases like, "please," "thank-you" and "yes, sir."
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References
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