Common Sense Parenting - Respect

Respect has many different definitions in the dictionary. The one I'm going to use is from Webster's New World Dictionary and it says: to show consideration for.

When I was younger, I always remember my parents telling me to respect my elders. Well, now I'm an elder (by definition only) and I don't always see children showing respect to their elders.

Children are very impressionable. They listen and observe what their parents and other adults say. When we see a child (of any age) acting a certain way, we can almost be assured that they are mimicking something they have seen or heard. For instance: cussing. More and more children are using profanity in the schools. As a classroom teacher, I have heard students use the f--- word as a common everyday word. Most of them didn't even know they had said it when it was pointed out to them. Now, I know that not all of these students were hearing this word at home. But, enough is enough. That shows a total lack of respect toward others.

Respect is something that is taught at home first. As parents we should try to make our children understand that not everyone feels the same way we do. We need to be considerate of others feelings and the different lifestyles (such as religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, etc.). We live in a country that has more freedoms then many other countries. Our founding fathers came seeking various types of freedoms they did not have in their own countries. Sadly, we as people, continue to show a lack of respect for those who view things differently then the norm. But, I ask, what is the norm?

When a child shows no respect for others or themselves, that's when they start getting in trouble. Too many children and young people have little respect for themselves and certainly no respect for others. Respect toward others goes a long way in our world. People want to be respected, but in order to be respected you must show respect first. Having a little consideration for another person can be as easy as letting someone have their say in a conversation. Listening to someone else's view point without crushing their opinion.

Respect goes both ways. When a child walks into a classroom and immediately disrupts the class because of their loud behavior. They are showing disrespect for the teacher and their classmates. The biggest issues in the classroom are disrespectful students. Children who seem to think that they can say and do whatever they chose. It is difficult for a classroom teacher to get the class back in order when they are forced to deal with a disrespectful student.

It is up to you, as the parent, to teach your children about respect. Showing respect doe not mean that you can not do your own thing. It does not mean that you are weak. It does not mean that you have to go along with the crowd. Respect simply means that you are willing to consider someone else's feelings, opinion, or position on an issue. It means that you would like to have the same respect shown to you, that you show to others. Remember that respect goes both ways.

When you show others respect, most times they will return the favor.

By: Wendy Greif

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Wendy Greif is a mother and graduate of USF in Special Education. She has taught children with various disabilities in both South Carolina and Florida. Mrs. Greif now runs an informational website for parents and caregivers of children and/or adults with special needs (www.specialneedschildrenandadults.com).