RESPECT! Merriam-Webster defines respect as high or special regard (worth). Having worked with many children and families (personally and professionally) over the past 20 years, I realize that many children are either no longer being taught about respect or they just don't understand the importance of it. Many parents teach their children that an individual has to earn respect and in a way that's true; however, respect in its truest form is given so that it can be earned. I observe children and their parents interacting with each other and trust me, whatever behavior parents demonstrate around their children, nine times out of ten, it is displayed in the behavior/actions of the child. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart (deviate) from it." --Proverbs 22:6 I encourage you to teach your child the meaning and importance of respect As a child I was taught that every individual should be held in high or special regard no matter what their status in life. My elders were quick to remind me that when I was out of their sight I represented them and that my actions towards others demonstrated what I was being taught at home. Did I always do the right thing? NO! However, the majority of the time I displayed the standards that had been set in my mother's home and by the people that were part of the "village"**. Even if your child is a teenager and you're wondering if it's too late, I believe it is better late than never. Be as honest as you can with your young one and explain to them that you realize you need to teach them a few values, that somewhere in the midst of life happening you may have neglected to teach them. By all means whatever standard you set be sure to practice what you preach. Start by teaching them about RESPECT and be sure to add the word "self" to the front of it. Acknowledging that each of us should hold ourselves in high or special regard (worth).
Have a fantabulous day! We'll talk again soon.
**Village refers to the topic of the April 26, 2012 post
No comments:
Post a Comment