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Respect can mean different things; it can refer to when we admire someone or look up to them based on their achievements and talents, or it can simply refer to being considerate to other people. Then there’s the concept of respecting the rules or respecting someone’s belongings. So, as you can imagine, the concept of respect is a little difficult for a young person to grasp. With that said, it’s best to demonstrate to your child what respect actually means through your own behaviour, as opposed to simply explaining it to them verbally. After all, you can’t expect to raise a respectful child if you yourself are disrespectful. Here’s some advice from a nursery in Somerset on teaching your child about respect.
Be Respectful to Your Child
The way you respond to your child when they misbehave is an important lesson in respect. If you yell at them, become aggressive, or use expletives, they will think this is an appropriate way to speak to other people when they’re angry. Alternatively, if you speak to them calmly and explain why their behaviour is unacceptable, you will teach them that keeping your composure is the correct way to respond to someone who has made you unhappy.
Stick to Your Word
If you want your child to respect you and your rules, you will need to stick to the consequences that you have put in place. For instance, if you have told them that in order to keep using their games consoles, they must tidy their room each morning before school, make sure you stick to that arrangement. Children are smarter than you may think and then will learn how to push the boundaries. With that said, if you don’t keep your word, they will know that they can get away with acting a certain way without punishment.
Explore Different Walks of Life
Teach your child about those less fortunate than them so that they learn to empathise with and respect others. This doesn’t just mean talking to them about material possessions; you should also talk to your child about your elderly neighbour who is no longer fit enough to mow their own lawn or carry their groceries, or people across the globe who can’t afford to put food on the table or shoes on their feet. You could also encourage them to get involved with community work or raising money for charity. This will teach them to respect that all people are fighting their own unique battles and should be treated as equals.
