“Teaching Your Child to be Respectful”

Teaching Your Child to be Respectful
Teaching children how to be respectful is a responsibility of parents, teachers, and guardians across the world. It is essential to inculcate the values of respect in the child at an early age so that s/he can grow up to be a good human being and an active member of the society. Here are some of the ways you can encourage your child to respect others:
Model Respectful Behaviours
When children witness adults behaving respectfully, they are more likely to follow suit. Speak to your children in a civil, pleasant and respectful way at all times. Set a good example for your children to follow by being kind, considerate and polite.
Teach Empathy
Teaching children empathy is to help them understand how someone else feels and why. Involve them in activities to build their emotional intelligence. Make them read stories and watch shows that teach empathy and develop self-awareness.
Encourage Listening and Understanding
Teach your children to actively listen to others and patiently understand what they’re saying. If a child isn’t sure that s/he listens properly ask him/her to repeat what the other person said to make sure that s/he understood.
Teach Them to own up Mistakes
It is essential to teach a child to apologize when s/he is wrong and take ownership of their mistake. This will help them understand the importance of being responsible and honest.
Reward Respectful Acts
Make sure to reward respectful acts and behaviours. Positive reinforcement can be an effective way to encourage children to respect others.
Teach Equality
Teach your children that everyone is equal regardless of race, skin colour, religion, gender or any other factor. Respect should be shown towards every race, religion and culture.
Set Boundaries and Expectations
Set clear expectations about how you expect your children to behave and treat others. Explain to them that disrespectful behaviours have consequences and will not be tolerated.
Help your child learn the importance of respect and how it helps build stronger relationships. By teaching them the right values, you can ensure that your child grows up to be a good human being and a responsible member of the society.