Respect Goes Both Ways Cultivating Respect in Your Children

Oftentimes as children travel through childhood into adolescence, parents may become frustrated by the apparent lack of respect shown toward property, school work, family and others. This developmental journey may be accompanied by behavior that is selfish, impulsive and careless, and leaves some parents wondering what happened to their child.
This stage is part of the path toward independence. Adolescents spend much of their time and energy trying to figure out who they are, what they like and dislike, and how they define themselves. Often this adventure includes pushing limits, experimenting with boundaries, and learning the difference between voicing their opinions and going too far. Some adolescents may find success in some environments but not others, while others may struggle in what feels like all areas of their world.
While this behavior can be irritating and challenging for parents, the good news is that there are ways to support positive behavior and respect at home. Parents expect respect as an authority figure, but it is also important to earn it.
One of the most effective ways to teach respect to your child is to treat them the way you want them to treat the world. Children learn as much, if not more, from your actions as your words. A few suggestions to try are: always say “please” and “thank you” to your children, spouse, and others, even if you are angry, sad or disappointed; model respect for property in how you handle and care for it; and regularly “talk it out” and actively listen when you have a disagreement with your children or others in your life.
An important lesson that you can teach your child is that it is OK to be angry, sad, disappointed, frustrated, happy or any emotion. However, treating people and things with disrespect will only complicate communication. In the end, interacting with respect and thoughtfulness will help your child ease tensions, work through conflicts, and manage emotions now and throughout life. Demonstrating respect will also help in relationships at home, in school, and on the job. Understanding and mastering those skills takes guidance from parents and caregivers, as well as time to learn, practice and use them effectively.
If you have concerns about your child’s academic, social or behavioral success, please contact Dynamic Interventions at 661-257-1254.