RESPECT
Anyone who works with children today will tell you that the lack of respect is epidemic. Young children commonly argue with the adults in their lives. Most adults would have never considered telling a parent or teacher “NO!” when they were young– today, it’s common.
In most cases, it is not due to a defiant or belligerent attitude. It is because the child has simply never been taught what respect looks like. Many of today’s parents are confused and frustrated due to the many “modern” approaches espoused by “enlightened” child experts. This causes them to doubt their competence and tolerate inappropriate behavior for fear of harming their child’s ego. Yesterday’s parents had a clearer picture of what constituted effective parenting which included correcting disrespectful behavior.
Also, in the past, respect was demonstrated throughout the culture. The popular TV programs of thirty and forty years ago portrayed respect as a given. As goofy as they may seem today, shows like The Andy Griffith Show, The Brady Bunch, and The Bill Cosby Show modeled not only a child’s respect for adults, but a parent’s respect for their children.
It is very different today. It is disrespect that seems to rule the day. Most current TV programs are characterized by sarcasm and disparaging behavior. Parents, especially fathers, are characterized as bumbling goofballs. Demeaning and disrespectful comments are commonly displayed on clothing. The sad result is that many children grow up never seeing what respect looks like. Simply, if you don’t teach it in your home, it is absent from your child’s life.
This is dangerous because the desire for respect is a need we all have and without it we struggle to be mentally and emotionally healthy. Even the earliest theories of psychology recognized the basic human need for respect. Everyday we see the results of being respected and respecting others. People are more open, friendly and cooperative which results in healthier, happier lives.
Teach your children how to disagree without being disrespectful and how to joke without being demeaning or belittling. Correct any disrespectful behavior immediately and consistently. Most importantly, remember that your children learn more from what you do than from what you say – you must show them what respect looks like.
It’s up to you to teach your child respect so they can reap the benefits. If they don’t see it in your home, they won’t see it at all.
.
©2012 raise a kid R.I.G.H.T.
Anyone who works with children today will tell you that the lack of respect is epidemic. Young children commonly argue with the adults in their lives. Most adults would have never considered telling a parent or teacher “NO!” when they were young– today, it’s common.
In most cases, it is not due to a defiant or belligerent attitude. It is because the child has simply never been taught what respect looks like. Many of today’s parents are confused and frustrated due to the many “modern” approaches espoused by “enlightened” child experts. This causes them to doubt their competence and tolerate inappropriate behavior for fear of harming their child’s ego. Yesterday’s parents had a clearer picture of what constituted effective parenting which included correcting disrespectful behavior.
Also, in the past, respect was demonstrated throughout the culture. The popular TV programs of thirty and forty years ago portrayed respect as a given. As goofy as they may seem today, shows like The Andy Griffith Show, The Brady Bunch, and The Bill Cosby Show modeled not only a child’s respect for adults, but a parent’s respect for their children.
It is very different today. It is disrespect that seems to rule the day. Most current TV programs are characterized by sarcasm and disparaging behavior. Parents, especially fathers, are characterized as bumbling goofballs. Demeaning and disrespectful comments are commonly displayed on clothing. The sad result is that many children grow up never seeing what respect looks like. Simply, if you don’t teach it in your home, it is absent from your child’s life.
This is dangerous because the desire for respect is a need we all have and without it we struggle to be mentally and emotionally healthy. Even the earliest theories of psychology recognized the basic human need for respect. Everyday we see the results of being respected and respecting others. People are more open, friendly and cooperative which results in healthier, happier lives.
Teach your children how to disagree without being disrespectful and how to joke without being demeaning or belittling. Correct any disrespectful behavior immediately and consistently. Most importantly, remember that your children learn more from what you do than from what you say – you must show them what respect looks like.
It’s up to you to teach your child respect so they can reap the benefits. If they don’t see it in your home, they won’t see it at all.
.
©2012 raise a kid R.I.G.H.T.
