Six Ingredients To Help Achieve Self-respect For Children
We live in a world when so many people have a lack of respect for others and certainly show little respect for themselves. According to Webster's New World Dictionary, self-respect is defined as proper respect for ones self. Parents can help their children develop a healthy and positive self-respect by using these six ingredients listed below.
Physical Safety - Children must feel safe within their home environment, neighborhood and schools. They must learn to care about their bodies, both physically and mentally. Too many children are influenced by others to do damage to their bodies. Be aware of who your child befriends. Talk to them about the damages of smoking, alcohol, drugs and even sex. Make their home environment a safe haven. Monitor the neighborhood for any possible issues and be active in their schools.
Emotional Security - Giving your child a safe environment to grow up in, includes not using harsh words, demeaning your child, or not allowing them to make mistakes. Mistakes are often how many of us grow. Give your child the opportunity to explore their ideas and make mistakes. Do not be so demanding that they do everything your way. Support their ideas and their failures. Encourage them to try again. They will learn to respect you and themselves.
Identity - Children must become comfortable with who they are. Talk with your child about the issues they face. Direct them to books you are comfortable with that will discuss topics you are not familiar with. Allow them to explore who they are without feeling ashamed. All of us need to be happy with ourselves before we can be happy with others.
Belonging - This is one area that I see a lot of children struggling with. The need to feel that you belong to something. Children who feel accepted, liked and respected in a positive setting will often grow into responsible and happy adults. But, remember that children can feel accepted, liked and respected in a negative setting and this can have adverse effects. Children need to be loved by family and friends. They need to be in a safe environment in which they can be themselves and not be afraid.
Confidence - When a child has confidence in their abilities, they will try new things. Confidence gives a child the motivation to strive to do more to achieve their goals. Usually a child with confidence will continue on no matter what obstacles get in the way.
Meaning and Purpose - Children need a direction in life, as we all do. They need examples of how to set goals and how to accomplish those goals. Every child needs to know that their life has meaning. Meaning helps to give value to that child.
These six ingredients of how to raise a child with self-respect are simply suggestions. As a parent and teacher, I have read and researched many articles and books on the subject of raising responsible children. I would suggest that all parents do their research. Parenting does not come easy for everyone. Some have had bad examples and are not sure what to do. Try to find the answer to raising a responsible, loving human being.
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 operates an informational website for parents and caregivers of children and/or adults with special needs ( www.specialneedschildrenandadults.com ).
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