Growing up we were taught respect. We didn't walk over a grave, we turned the radio down when we passed an active funeral, we pulled off the road and stopped for a funeral procession, we said ma'am and sir, we didn't back talk (not until we were teens anyway), we never half answered, we were polite, didn't curse and did what was asked. What happened to respect?
I think the biggest thing is to show them respect. When I speak to my son, I speak to him as if he were an adult. I use "sir" when speaking to him, thank him when he does something good and compliment his manners when he says "please" and "Thank you"
Set an example. I am polite, so by nature he is polite. Little ones see everything and hear everything (if you don't believe it ask them a question)
Teach them to take care of their toys, this goes over into people as they get older. My son is only allowed 1 toy out at a time, he must then put that toy back before he gets another one. The number one reason for this is safety. Last night he went to get his toothbrush and has his race cars in the floor. Mommy almost broke her ankle falling over them.
Set rules. I am very pro-schedule. Everything is scheduled out and rules are made. The daily schedule and rules hang on his door.
He's usually respectful to me but why wasn't he today? Simple answer, he has a cold and doesn't feel well. Not that I let it slide because then he will walk all over me every time he gets sick. He just doesn't get that much leniency around here. He's expected to be respectful and if he's not he faces the consequences, which is usually some sort of grounding. Today was sending him to nap, which to a 4 year old who no longer naps is a punishment in itself. I was easy on him today, yes, but again, he's sick, who's not a little grumpy when they're sick?
My thoughts: Respect is earned, yes, but it is also learned. Be the role model your kids need and show respect to your fellow man.
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