How to Raise a Respectful Child

What makes a child respectful and why is it important to raise a child who has this quality? These are two questions which need answering before we can begin to work out how to raise a respectful child.

Why is respect important?

We all want to be respected. Respect doesn’t just mean bowing down to authority but also considering others in our day-to-day lives. Home is a good place to begin learning these skills and school usually sets them in stone!

This primary school in Chesham sets a lot of store by good manners and respect for others. Without respect for others, the world would be a pretty terrible place! A lot of respect comes down to simple good manners.

The best way to teach your child these qualities is to show them yourself. Simple things count. For example –

• Saying please and thank you
• Looking people in the eye when speaking to them
• Having a positive attitude
• No interrupting
• Saying excuse me
• Sharing

These things are the most basic of good manners but it’s right where respect begins because these things all consider the other person. Nobody enjoys being bossed or spoken to in a rude way. Show your child how to manage these habits and how to keep them at the forefront of their life in and out of the home.

How to behave in public

 Some of the following things might be tricky for younger children but it’s important that you help your child to manage them and to explain why they’re so vital:

• No shouting in public places
• No running or jumping
• No taking other people’s things
• Always considering others who are less able than us
• Holding open doors
• Allowing people off the bus before we get on

Make sure you tell your child why these things are important. A little child doesn’t have the skills or life experience to put others first – but it doesn’t take long for them to learn these habits and teaching them will ensure that others always respond positively to your child.

Thanks for reading xxx