Respect ~ How Parents Can Be the Change They Want in Their Children

Are you ever frustrated with the example of respect you set for your kids? Don't be too hard on yourself but do consider the specific examples, my Linkedin friend and Guardian Ad Litem, Debra Scott suggests:

Respect and Hitting:

"I view healthy role modeling as the foundation of promoting respect in children. Children seem to absorb more of what we do rather than what we say. I cannot tell you how many times I've been at a park, a child hits another child, and the mom runs over and yells, "we don't hit!," as mom is hitting the child. I've used a lot of restraint during those times!

Respect and the Phone:

Children typically listen when we don't know they're listening. Such as when we're on the phone and they're innocently building a fort. They hear us say, "oh I'd love to come but I'm sick," or "did you see that ugly outfit that Susan was wearing last night?" and/or we talk to our children about the dangers of smoking, drinking, and/or eating unhealthily.....while we are smoking, or have a glass of wine in our hand, or sitting and chomping down a full box of cookies.

Respect and Truth:

We tell our children not to lie, not to talk about others disrespectfully, and not to do various other things. If we teach them what not to do, what message do they get when they see us doing those things?

Respect and Honesty:

I say practice what you preach. No, I'm not recommending perfection. Another way to teach children about the important things in life is by being accountable, recognizing mistakes that you make, and being able to sincerely apologize. While being a human being, honest, and living a life of what you want to see in your children; they will learn all of the lessons that need to be learned. They will learn them authentically. The rest will be easy.

Respect and Change:

Take a serious look at yourself. Figure out if you are who you'd like your children to become. It's never too late to become a better person. Be the change that you want to see in your children :) "

Debra Scott ~ Divorce Seminar Facilitator at Divorce Lifeline  and Adoption Counselor/Caseworker at Adoption Advocates International 

What about you? What do you think?
Please comment in the comment link below. When you do, I'll send you a gift with 7 Parenting Tips for Encouraging Respectful Behavior.

With warm wishes,

Jean Tracy, MSS

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