Every parent wants their children to love and respect them. As parents, we may feel entitled to respect and rightly so. But respecting others is not an innate trait. We have to teach our children how to respect others.

Children learn to respect others when they see their parents doing the same. When children see their parents respecting each other and those around them, they will model themselves along the same lines. Be kind and understanding towards your spouse, friendly with neighbors and polite with strangers. Your children will take the cue from you.

Teach your child good manners from the time that he or she is old enough to understand. You can explain to your children how they ought to address other adults. Your children should know the perfunctory greetings we all exchange like "Good morning", "Good evening", "How do you do?" and more. They should also know polite gestures like holding the door open for others, thanking others, and helping others.

There are several books meant especially to teach children the concept of respect. Buy such books for your children and go through these books together. Then discuss about what you have read. For instance, if the book outlines a story where one person hurts or mistreats the other, ask your children for their opinion on the story and the attitudes described. Ask them how they would have responded to such a situation and explain how and what the correct approach would be. While doing so, don’t enforce your views on your child. This is a blatant show of disrespect towards them. Listen to what they have to say and share your views with them.

The same goes for other aspects of life. When you respect your children, they will respect you too. Most parents prefer to make all the decisions by themselves. They decide by themselves on what food their children should eat, what clothes they should wear and more. Involve your child in these minor decisions and they will understand that you respect their feelings and likes or dislikes. They will adopt the same attitude of respect and courtesy towards you too.

Point out instances when you feel that your child has been disrespectful towards other adults or peers. Explain to them how their actions might have hurt the other person and ask them how they would have felt if they were on the receiving end.

If your child disregards your warnings and efforts to teach them respect, you ought to be firm with them. Don’t threaten or hurt them. Send them to their rooms for a while to ponder over their actions and understand where they went wrong. Such little acts of discipline will teach your children that disrespect for others will not be tolerated.

Appreciate your child’s efforts to show respect and consideration for others. Knowing that their actions are appreciated will encourage children to keep up the good work.

Teaching children to respect others is simple and once your child learns the ropes, this quality will be with them for a lifetime.

Jonathan Pitts

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