Parents need to remember that children are very observant; that’s how they learn, and being a good example of what you want your child to learn is one of the most important things that you can do for your child. If your child sees you give up your seat for an elderly person, they are likely to ask you why you did it, giving you an opportunity to explain to your child about respecting elderly. There are so many opportunities that you can grab on a daily basis and turn into your own respect lessons for kids.
Two sisters sitting in a park on a summer day.Below are some of the behavioural traits of children as they grow-up:
Teaching your kid’s respect can never be done too early. By behaving the way you want your kids to behave, you set a good precedent for them to follow. It is especially damaging to a child if they are not treated in a respectful manner by adults as they learn to treat others the way they themselves are treated.
Pre-schoolers are at the age where they are beginning to have more consciousness of their mistakes. This is the ideal time to really start teaching them good manners and how to behave in a respectful way towards others. This is especially important since they are now starting to have more interaction with others outside the home.
How to explain respect to a child? This is a question on every parent’s mind. Below are some tips to teach kids to respect others:
Being sensitive to the needs of your child often results in them learning to be sensitive towards the needs of others as they grow.
It is important to not only correct your child but to also reward them for the right behaviour. For example, if their grandmother was to bake them cookies and they thanked her, you could respond with, “It was nice of you to thank grandma. I’m sure she worked really hard and felt appreciated.” As they have managed to earn your praise, they are more likely to do it again.
Most children are self-centred and do not want to listen when they are being corrected. Instead of losing your temper, be patient with them as this teaches them to be patient with others in difficult situations in the future.
Sometimes young children have problems in social situations, and it is up to you to hear them out and help them through any difficulties that they may be experiencing.
A lot of the time, a young child may not even realize that what they are doing is not acceptable. For example, your child may interrupt you while you are having a conversation. The best approach is to excuse yourself, take your child aside and politely let them know right then that what they are doing is wrong and why.
Explain to your child the way you expect them to behave in different situations. If you are at a restaurant, explain to your child that they need to sit decently at the table and mind their table manners as it is not appropriate to run around while people are dining.
People love to celebrate by having feasts and can be sensitive towards proper dining etiquette. Teaching kids respect with activities makes things more interesting for your kids. Try pretending the queen is coming for dinner as you teach them table manners.
You can use stories for children to teach them respect. Ask them to figure out which of the characters in the stories that are respectful and the ones that are not.
Here are some effective ways of handling your child if they are disrespectful:
If your child is indulging in bad behaviours, like interrupting your conversation, firmly warn your child of the consequences if they do not stop. E.g., “If you do not stop interrupting when I am having a conversation, then you will have to go to your room.”
Follow through on any consequences your child was warned of if he persists in that behaviour.
Children need to be taught that they need to take responsibility for their behaviour. If your child purposely throws things around while angry, make the child clean up the mess he made as a consequence of his bad behaviour.
Despite the bustle of this fast-paced life, make time to spend with your children and really listen to them when you do. Get together regularly for a family night and just have fun. When you give your child your time and take them seriously, they do not develop feelings of loneliness and resentment, which often causes them to act out in defiance.
Parents must also remember to treat each other with respect as this is vital in teaching children to respect their parents. If children feel connected to their parents and their parents to each other, feelings of mutual trust and respect are promoted.