Showing Respect

Respect is a two-way street: When you show respect to others, they show respect to you. That’s why modeling respect for your children is so important. Family members know when they are being respected and learn to practice respect in return.

Here are some easy tips to follow from Family “Focus on Respect” (PDF) from the University of Illinois.

Respect Do’s

• Be courteous and polite.
  Children learn to say, “excuse me,” “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry” at a very young age.


• Accept others without prejudice.
  Children take their cue from their families—if all different types of people are accepted and respected by their parents, children will learn to welcome people from different backgrounds, also.

Respect Don’ts

• Don’t insult, hurt, mistreat, or put down others.
  Teasing or belittling others causes “hidden hurts” that break down self-esteem and cause emotional distress.


• Don’t take advantage of people or use them to get what you want.
  If children see their parents dealing with others outside of the family unfairly, they’ll get the message that it’s okay not to respect the rights of others.

Resources:

• Developing a Pattern of Respect and Respect and Hidden Hurts from Family Works and the University of Illinois provide tips and rationale for modeling respect in the family.


• Family Issues Facts: Children and Respect from the University of Maine and “Family Focus on Respect” (PDF) provide do’s, don’ts, and ways to help family members treat each other with respect.


• Help Your Child Feel Comfortable in Social Situations from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration includes tips on respect—what you can teach your child and how you can be a positive model for your child.


• Head Start Core Set of Values from the CDC includes points on respect for the family and the community.