Teaching respect through showing it
In the words of Aretha Franklin, “R-E- S-P- E-C- T, Find out what it means to me” says parents should be modeling what respect looks like.
What is Modeling? According to Dictionary.com “Modeling: Also called imitation- a particular behavior is elicited by the observation of similar behavior in others.”
So what does Modeling Respect look like? Saying please, thank you. Being polite and kind to others (parents, teachers, authority figures outside of the home (school and/or faith community), amongst your peers, to the environment. Sharing with others. A Biblical Perspective would be, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In Laymen’s terms, “treat others how you would want to be treated.”
Be your children’s model for respect
Engaging your children in discussions about in what Respect looks like; such as how would you feel if someone called you a name or hit you. Having an open discussion about Respect is also both listening and speaking.
Teaching your children through play Respect is when you share with your neighbor; such as your classmates wanting to play with the same Legos as you, taking turns.
Suggestion for how to model values: when you take your child to the store and you go to check out, after the cashier bags your groceries, simply say, “Thank you and have a good day.”
Modeling and teaching Respect is not as hard as you think. The worst case scenario is to go old school “R-E- S-P- E-C- T,” sing and spell it out for your children.