Rules
for Raising a Respectful Child
Adrian H. Cline,
Superintendent
There is not a one-size-fits-all answer
when it comes to teaching children to be respectful. You can be sure, however, that children whose
parents treat them with respect and who are brought up in an atmosphere of
respect will understand the value of respect.
Here are a few suggestions that may be helpful in teaching your child
the value and practice of respect:
1. Identify respect. Acknowledge and point out to your child
behavior that indicates the presence of respect.
2. Explain your policy on respect and the
consequences for disrespect.
3. Show respect for your child. Encourage your child to express his or her
ideas and opinions.
4. Set limits.
Do not be afraid to say “no.” Be
firm, clear, and calm. Uphold your
parental status. Do not give in and
allow your child to have his way.
5. Put a stop to disrespectful behavior. Respond immediately. Tell your child his or her behavior is
disrespectful and respond with a consequence, such as a time-out, so he or she
can cool off.
6. Insist on respectful dissent. Explain to your child that he or she does not
have to agree with you, but he or she has to be respectful when giving dissent.
7. Talk to your child about treating others
the way he or she would like to be treated.
This will provide a ruler against which to measure his or her
behavior.
In our society it is necessary to show
respect for one another. Following the
Golden Rule will always lead you in the right direction.
Behavioral
Challenges: The Importance of Routine
If your child has a learning difficulty or behavioral
challenge, your first line of defense is a consistent routine. An established routine will allow your child
to feel secure, since he or she can expect the same events to occur each
day. Here are some ideas that can help:
Morning Rituals. Develop a schedule of tasks that your child
can complete in the same order each day; for example, shower, brush teeth, comb
hair, dress, eat breakfast.
Mealtime. Try to plan regular meals at about the same
time every day. A least one meal should
be eaten at a time when the family can be together.
Homework. Designate an area in your home that is a
relaxed environment and is free from background noise and distractions. Monitor the area and remain close by so you
can provide help as needed.
Organization. Provide a large tub, basket, or box for
school supplies, books, and homework so these items can be easily located. It is also a good idea to get your child in
the habit of packing his or her book bag and getting everything ready the night
before.
Bedtime. Establish a definite time for your child to
start getting ready for bed. Although
the tasks will vary according to the child’s age, a typical bedtime sequence
might be: bath, pajamas, brush teeth,
bedtime story, and “lights out.”
Minimizing behavioral challenges by establishing a consistent
daily routine will lessen frustration for you and your child. Children who know what to expect feel more
secure, and security allows them to accept responsibility for their own
behavior.
The Office of Adrian H.
Cline, Superintendent of Schools, is open from