Encouraging Respect Using Transitions

Respect is one of the most important values thatmanners as they grow, like hitting and grabbing are
parents should teach their kids. Especially these dayswrong, or that screaming and interrupting when adults
that a lot of stimuli can overwhelm our kids, it isare talking is not tolerated.
important for parents to teach their kids the value ofWhen your child does something disrespectful, act
respect in order to keep them on the right track. If kidsfirmly but calmly and say, "Screaming in the house is
lose their way, they might lose important life values asnot tolerated. Speak in a lower voice." Implementing
well.simple rules like this will serve as an essential reminder
It is impossible for us parents to control thefor your kids that respecting others and controlling their
environment that our kids are in, but we can definitelyimpulses must be observed.
teach them proper manners and respectful behavior.Set rules at home that insinuate respect. Impose rules
A lot of parents notice that kids are a bit behind whenlike no name callings or using foul words, listening to
you talk about respect, so it should be addressedothers when they are talking, not using a sibling's
appropriately. Teaching kids the value respect is notbelonging without asking permission, and always saying
important just because it is basis for socializing, it isthings respectfully even when the person is annoying.
important because it also helps them respectAlso remember to give consistent consequences to
themselves in the process as well.your children whenever they break the rules, and give
Kids are not born respectful. They learn respect fromthem appropriate compliments when they follow them.
the people around them through imitation and directYou can further teach your kids respect by telling
teaching. Some experts even say that children are likethem something good about themselves first before
mirrors, because they reflect back to us everythingyou tell them something bad.
that we say and do. That means that 90% of theFor example you tell them, "I appreciate you being nice
things that children learn are from the grownupsand respectful when you talk to me. And now let's talk
around them and only 5% of the things that they knowabout dad. Why can't you talk to him the way you talk
is from direct instruction.to me?" By using a transition such as this, you are
Children have this notion of the world as a placeletting your child focus on the value of respect and not
where everyone is bound to follow their every whim,his disrespectful behavior. Through transitions, you are
including their parents. Therefore, it is the parent's jobencouraging respect without making your child feel
to clarify and correct that distorted belief. It is importantcriticized.
that parents teach their kids a few things about proper