Respect
Respect for life, for property, for parents, for elders, for
nature, and for the beliefs and rights of others. Courtesy, politeness, and
manners. Self-respect and the avoidance of self-criticism.
Introduction
The importance of and basic necessity for respect are
self-evident. Respect is the basis and foundation (and often the motivation)
for several of the other basic values of life. Children who learn both to
implement and to understand the principle of respect will be better members of
society, better friends, and better leaders.
The teaching of respect is an interesting and somewhat
difficult proposition. The main thing to remember is that respect isn't given
consistently unless it is received. We need first to respect our children (in
terms of how we speak to them and how we treat them) and then to absolutely
demand that they show respect for us in return. The respect they receive in the
home will be the basis for their own self-respect; and the respect they learn
to show in the home (to family members) will be the foundation on which to
build respect for others outside the home.
General Guidelines
Teach by your own examples. Show respectful behavior. As
always, example is the best teacher. During this month be ever-conscious of
respect. Let your children see and hear you being concerned for the property
and rights of others, assisting the elderly, caring for nature, being polite in
all situations and showing self-respect in terms of how you look and how you speak
of yourself.
Extend respect and then expect respect. Create the proper
climate for respect in your own home. We often speak to and deal with our
children with less respect than we show to strangers. We treat them as though
they have no rights an deserve no explanations. We say "because I said
so" and we give them no benefit of the doubt and assume they are guilty
until proven innocent.
We need to change this, even if it requires imagining that
they are strangers and speaking to them accordingly. Use the words
"please" and "thank you" more. Ask them whenever possible
instead of telling them. Ask for their advice or input on things. Respect their
opinions.
Once we make this effort, we are in a position to expect
(even demand) respect in return. Make it clear that respect includes tone of
voice as well as manners. This expectation must be consistent and repetitive.
Simply do not allow disrespect in your home.
Give plenty of praise and recognition. Reinforce respectful
behavior and encourage its repetition. Make up your mind to watch for
opportunities to praise courtesy and politeness during the month. Catch them
doing something right and make a big deal of it. Praise them in front of other
family members -- and then try to remember to praise them privately, one on
one, later the same day.
Give them a chance to correct themselves by saying
"Let's start over." This is a good method to correct disrespectful
behavior in a positive way. Establish the pattern (and the habit, in connection
with consistently not allowing disrespect in the home) of saying, "Let's
start over." When a disrespectful answer is given, when someone fails to
say "please" or "thank you," say "Let's start
over." Then repeat the situation, letting the child do it right. Do this
with children of all ages. And when necessary, say, "Let's start
over" for yourself and then repeat your own statement or behavior in a
more respectful way.
"Parenting-by-Objective"
Review the activities and stories that go along with this
months value. Make sure everyone in your family understands the value so they
can see how they can apply it in their own lives and situations.
Talk about the Monthly Value every morning and remind your
family to look for opportunities to use the value throughout the day. They may
also observe how others don't understand the value. Get your children to share
their experience with the value each day at the dinner table or before you go
to bed. Be sure to share your experience each day as well. It will help your
children know that you are thinking about the value too.
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