We all want our children to
show respect to others. The best place to learn this is at home from the people
they spend the most time with – you!
Here are some strategies for
building your home into a place of respect.
Respect yourself. You are a marvellous
person! Me believing this about you will not get you nearly as far as you
believing it of yourself. Each of us is uniquely beautiful in many ways. Value
yourself and your kids will feel this self-respect and emulate it.
Respect them. Display awards
and trophies the kids have earned. Have a display wall where the children’s
achievements are presented for all to see. Showing you are proud of them helps
them to be proud of themselves and others.
Respect space. Have established
space that ‘belongs’ to each person. Have shared space. When in shared space,
respect the needs and wishes of others in that space. When entering private
space, ask permission. Respect the space you are in. Children will feel and
follow your lead. Talk about the various kinds of space in your home and how our
interaction in that space shows respect.
Speak well. Speak well of your
kids to them and to others in front of them. Say kind things about them in
private and in public. In short, be truly proud of your kids and it will come
out in your language. Talk them up!
Listen well. When a child
speaks positively about themselves, notice and affirm them. When they speak negatively about themselves, notice and help with kind words. Ask clarifying questions:
“What happened?” “Who was involved?” “Where were you in this?” Listen. Ask
healing questions: “What are some positives?” “What will you do next?”
Start over. Nobody is perfect.
We all make mistakes. Always talk about moments of disrespect and agree to
start over – respecting each person by respecting ourselves.
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