Guide on How to Respect Elders for Teenagers

Get your teens to listen to you on how to be respectful.

Older generations may think teenagers seem to be getting ruder, with the blame being placed on everyone from their parents to their teachers to pop culture. To teach your teens how to respect and appreciate older generations, give them a few lessons on how to act respectfully.

Instructions

1. Teach them that "Sarah and John" is not an appropriate way to refer to Mr. & Mrs. Smith, the older couple across the street. Tell them when it's acceptable to call older people by their first name such as a family member like "Aunt Diane."

2. Preach the concept of simple manners, such as not cursing around adults to holding the door open for an elder that is behind you. Teach them what it means to be polite. Reiterate the importance repeatedly requesting that they commit to using good manners on a consistent basis and not just every once in a while.

3. Make it clear to teens that they should listen even when they don't agree with what someone says. Let them know that their elders have more living experience, so they are most likely going to be able to guide teens in the right direction. Remind your teens that older relatives may not know how to send a text message or Skype but they do know that calling your friend's house at 1 a.m. waking up the entire family is not a good idea.

4. Show teens why they should be patient. Suggest they do a day of volunteering with a local charity to provide assistance to older adults who might need help. Give teens a chance to spend some one-on-one time with someone who's in a hospital or nursing facility. Talk with your teenagers on their experience and the value they got from the people they met.

References

• More 4 Kids: Teaching Children Respect