How To Help Younger Child Understand Meaning Of Respect
Part of motherhood is teaching children how to behave in this world. While mom has a role to play in teaching them how to walk, talk, and tie their shoelaces, she also has to teach them important skills. Some of these will come with development, but mom still needs to guide them to show empathy, be kind and respect those around them.
It’s not always easy to teach kids, and that’s because they’re things mom just knows. She does them without thinking, and that means it can be difficult to find the right words when it comes to explaining them to younger children.
However, with a little information, Mom should be able to tackle this conversation with her younger children. It may take a little patience and some time, but Mom can make sure her child knows what respect is and when and to whom it should be given.
It is important to note that Mom will always be her child’s best role model and that means that if she hopes her children will learn, she must show respect to both her children and other people.
A precise definition
If an adult doesn’t understand a word or concept, they’re likely to look it up. They will understand what is being said to them and they will process it in their head and save it for later. Children don’t always work like that. They can benefit from a definition, but it needs to be age appropriate so they can fully understand and grasp the concept.
According to Parenting For Brain, there’s a kid-friendly way to define respect. Mom can say that respect means admiring someone because they have done something impressive or because they are talented. It can also mean acting in a way that is caring and kind. Mom can come up with examples to illustrate the definition and these could be examples of things seen in public or in the homes of people you both know.
Enforce some empathy
Respect and empathy are linked, and Mom can use empathy to explain what respect feels like. According to Mom Loves Best, mom can use an example her child can relate to to teach respect. Ask them to imagine that they are talking to their teacher and another child comes and interrupts your child. Ask your child how they would feel and they will probably say they don’t feel good.
You can say that this is an example of the other child not respecting him or the teacher. It would be respectful to wait until the conversation is over before speaking, or if it was an emergency, at least say “sorry.” Using real life examples is the best way to teach young children respect.
Use resources
Mom won’t be an expert on everything, and that’s okay. If the mother is having a hard time getting her child to understand respect, she can use resources to help her. According to Kiddie Academy, There are many books that mothers can read with their child to help them understand respect. It’s important to be interactive with them and ask them questions as the book progresses.
Mom can also use YouTube videos and other helpful resources. Sesame Street is known for having a lot of relatable content, and it’s designed specifically for a younger audience. Again, make sure you watch with your child and don’t just sit them and hope they absorb the information.
If you catch them being disrespectful
It’s important to remember that children are young and will make mistakes, and when we try to teach them respect we have to expect that they will be disrespectful at times. Instead of losing patience and getting upset, try to turn it around and make it a learning moment. This can be another great opportunity to teach them.
If you find your child being disrespectful, ask them to take a break and talk about whatever just happened. Ask them if they think what they did was respectful, and if their answer is no, ask them what they think they could have done differently. If your child interrupts you when you’re talking, get them thinking about how they could change and do it with more respect next time. Chances are they’ll come to that conclusion on their own and have learned even more.
Sources: Parenting For Brain, Mom Loves Best, Kiddie Academy