Mutual regard at different levels could be the bedrock for organised living in society. Children are taught from an early age to always show respect to their parents, guardians, teachers and all forms of constituted authority. Respect is a key attribute for building character, setting moral boundaries and maintaining vital relationships. Children who learn to show respect come to understand the need to put the interests of others first and also grow up to become highly respectable people.
As much as we strive towards instilling this key attribute in our children, we must realise that showing them respect can teach them to understand the term even better and learn why it is so important to accord it to other people. Seeing an effort from their guardians to put the morals they preach into practice is more than likely to stir them to inculcate the said morals into their own lives.
[ad]
There are many ways of according respect to our children. Parents could start by being more polite in conversations with their children. Being mindful of the kinds of things we say when we talk to them is highly important and often forms the foundation for proper communication with their peers and colleagues. Also, parents and guardians must learn to apologise for any offences committed against their children. A simple “Sorry” or “Pardon Me” could radically alter their outlook on forgiveness by teaching them that no person is above mistakes.
Another crucial way of showing your children respect is by avoiding comparing them to their peers. Many parents tend to make the mistake of overshadowing their children’s achievements by weighing them against those of their age mates. This has a way of lowering their esteem and taking the spotlight off the uniqueness of our children. Parents must learn to validate all of their child’s exploits without necessarily measuring them up against their colleagues. This would counter any inferiority complex and offer them a massive confidence boost to continue to strive towards becoming better in every sphere.
[ad]
Trust is one of the most important elements in maintaining a healthy relationship with your children. As a guardian, it helps to always make them feel comfortable around you. Children are better able to open up about their personal struggles and inner thoughts when they are sure that their words and opinions are going to be respected.
Building trust through sincere conversations will help parents to be able to better address their needs, fully understand their experiences and give them the right guidance. This could help guard their mental health and offer them the right insight into proper decision making.
Chastisement is an integral part of child upbringing. However, it is best done privately and in the absence of their peers. The use of physical punishment or extremely harsh methods is outdated and has yielded limited results as the times have advanced. There should instead be an emphasis on open-ended conversations and good understanding.
Respecting children is a cornerstone of effective parenting. By valuing their opinions, emotions and autonomy, parents foster trust and open communication. This respect cultivates a positive parent-child relationship, nurturing children’s self-esteem and emotional well-being, while also instilling values of empathy and understanding that they will carry into adulthood.
[ad]
