If we are mad with the world and all its uncertainties, you can only imagine how children and teens are feeling about it. Their fears for climate change and the very little that is being done about it are warranted. And quite frankly, their feelings are valid. We are doing a better job of caring for our world around us only because we are forced to. And this is only the tip of the rapidly melting iceberg.
Respect is earned.
We can’t expect your child to respect older people – no matter who they are – unless they are not respected. And the same goes trust. If you do not respect your kids choices, they will find it hard to respect yours. When was the last time you offered your child a choice? Do you instruct more than you give a choice?
For example, if you want your child to brush their teeth and get ready for bed, do you say “I have asked you three times to brush your teeth now. Why don’t you ever listen?” Or do you say, “…you can brush your teeth now or in 10 minutes. The choice is entirely yours and I’ll be okay with whatever you choose (respect) but either way, it needs to be done.” If they feel respected at home, they will show respect at home and outside of the home too.
The best way to encourage a respectful home is to role model it. Try to stay calm when you REALLY don’t want to. And respond in a calm manner more than you erupt in frustration and anger. The more you can try to understand your child’s perspective, the more your child will try to take and see your perspective too. And then do the same with others who are older than them too.
