9 Ways To Instill Value Of Respect In Your Child

How To Teach Children The Value Of Respect?

Respect is one of the most important values that we must teach children, and not only respect for adults and authority figures but also for other children and for themselves. In fact, the basis of a good coexistence lies in mutual respect, in addition to being the ground where solid self-esteem flourishes. Who could teach it better than parents?

Respect Is Essential For A Cohesive Society To Exist

Respect consists in admiring someone because that person has extraordinary abilities.  The feeling of respect must come from within and no one can be forced to respect. Similarly, we cannot teach respect by being disrespectful to our children.

Respect is one of the most important values for society: it is born in childhood from within the family and develops throughout life.  Let us teach our boys and girls to treat all living beings with respect and dignity to build a better society whose values last over time. Put these tips into practice so that you can guide your sons and daughters and teach them the importance of getting used to being respectful with themselves and with others.

How To Teach Children The Value Of Respect?

1. Lead By Example

What better way to teach a behavior than to model the behavior you want to teach? Show your kids respect by doing it yourself. Treat them as you treat other adults as well. For example, respect their preferences. Parents who want complete control over their children's behavior and preferences are a bit ridiculous. Most of us are not that extreme, but we can still be a bit strict about preference. But if you want your child to respect you, start by respecting his choices.

When children are young they learn primarily by imitation. That means that if they see that adults respect each other at home, they will learn to respect others. When children live in a respectful and quiet environment, they are more likely to be as well. Homes, where there is constant and systematic disrespect between parents, create the right climate for intolerance and aggressiveness in our children to germinate. It is almost impossible to avoid disagreements and arguments, but it is also essential to speak from an attitude of mutual respect. A home where shouting reigns and everyone campaigns for their respect, will become the ideal breeding ground for intolerance and aggressiveness.

2. Give Respect To Earn It

Respect cannot be demanded. It can only be earned. Then you have to earn it! Give your child reasons to show you respect by becoming a role model. As you can see, the key to educating about respect is to act with respect as well. "Respect so that they respect you" is a slogan a bit cliché but completely true. Model desirable behavior, such as being respectful to everyone, including your children. 

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3. Be Nice To Your Child

Words like "please", "thank you" and "sorry" will not make you lose the respect of your child, quite the opposite. Children are little people who also deserve to be treated with kindness. Treating children disrespectfully will make them lose their respect for us.

Therefore, if you are wrong, apologize, this way you will teach him to recognize his mistakes and be humble. A mature and respectful adult accepts responsibility and apologizes for making mistakes. Apologizing to your child will not undermine your authority as a parent. On the contrary, you will be reinforcing your authority and credibility. You will be demonstrating integrity and building trust in your child.

If he helps you, acknowledge his effort and thank him, so he will learn to value the effort of others.

4. Ask For Their Opinion And Respect Their Decisions

When your child begins to grow, it is important that you take their opinions into account. Whenever possible, ask her what she thinks about decisions that concern her directly. It is also important that he is clear that, even if at certain times you do not share his decision, he can always count on you.

5. Embrace Sincerity

To respect someone, you need to trust that person. Therefore, if you want your child to respect you, it is essential that they trust you. Do not lie to him or cheat on him because he will feel disappointed and betrayed. If they think they can't trust you, they won't respect you. There is nothing that undermines respect and trust for a person more than their continued lies and deceit. When the truths are difficult, try to find the best words so that your child can understand them, but do not hide them because in your attempt to protect him you could lose his confidence.

6. Establish Clear Rules Of Coexistence

At home, it is important that all members respect each other and have their personal space, including children and pets. Your child must learn that he must not disturb the pet while he eats and that he must respect his brother's space, in the same way, that others must respect his space. Establishing basic rules of coexistence guarantees common respect, in addition to allowing the day-to-day to flow better.

7. Teach Him To Express His Ideas And Wishes Assertively

Respect begins with self-control, a skill that can be developed from the age of 3, teaching them, for example, to wait their turn and delay gratification. It is also essential that the little ones learn to express their wishes without assuming a demanding attitude, understanding that on some occasions they will have to postpone them since they cannot always have priority over others.

Everyone has the right to think independently and to like different things. When children's differences are accepted, they feel heard. They see firsthand how to treat others who hold different opinions. They learn that they must respect people despite differences. Understanding and tolerance are especially important in adolescence.

8. Help Him Develop Empathy

Respect should not be developed by imposition or on the basis of fear, but by the full conviction that others deserve to be treated with kindness. To develop this attitude, it is important that children get out of their egocentric posture and learn to put themselves in the place of the other so that they understand that sometimes their words and attitudes can cause harm. To achieve this, it is important that you encourage him to reflect with questions such as: How would you feel in his place? How do you think he felt about what you did to him? Listen without interrupting their opinions; they and their problems are just as important as ours.  Let's learn to listen to them and empathize with them. Empathy, solidarity, and honesty are values that continue to be very important today, despite the fact that they seem to be increasingly obsolete. Therefore, it is important to show your children what impact and what positive results they can cause when they act in line with the values that they are taught. Respect is part of the values that your boys and girls must learn and put into practice since they can remember. 

9. Use Gentle And Firm Discipline To Teach, Not Punish

Discipline involves teaching or training, not punishing. You don't have to be punitive. In fact, studies have shown that positive discipline is far more effective and long-lasting than any punitive strategy.

If we discipline by using a threatening or harsh tone when our children have done something wrong, we are showing them how to be cruel and harsh with those who have made mistakes.

Being harsh or using punitive punishment will not patent what respect is. But positive discipline does not mean the same thing as being soft or permissive. One can maintain firmness and kindness at the same time when disciplining. Setting firm limits and sticking to them are the keys to successful discipline.