Respect is an important value that should be taught by parents to children which some parents do not do so. It’s important to instill this value in them since young as it teaches them to find their own identity in life without going lost.
Most parents emphasize a lot on their children showing respect to their elders, typically in Chinese families which place utmost importance in this. One of the reasons is not to disgrace oneself and their family as a well-mannered child is considered to have a good home education. Besides showing respect to one’s elders, respecting the people around you is also important. Neighbours, schoolmates and friends are all considered the people around. By respecting others, your child shows that he/she is more matured in thinking.
By not respecting others, one can easily get into trouble. People get on and work with each other through respect. Without it, there will be conflicts and arguments. When you respect someone, you trust and have faith in them, and people will certainly try to do the same for you too. Not being respectful of others also shows that person to be close-minded.
Though respect for others is important, how can one respect others when one does not even have self-respect? When you have self-respect, you take pride in who you are and know that you are valuable. If you lack self-respect, you allow others to trample on your dignity and this will perpetuate the cycle, resulting in you hating yourself and hating the person even more.
A key in teaching your children respect is to show respect to them. Keep in mind the saying, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. Remember that respect is not the same as obedience as if they are afraid, they will follow your instructions but with a grudge in their heart; and if they respect you, they will willingly follow your instructions. Environment factors are also important as children like to imitate people around them; placed around respectful people, they show respectful behaviour and vice versa. Upon noticing respectful behaviour, praise them! This will encourage them to do it more often as he knows that his efforts are worthwhile and appreciated.
Schools teach respect to children but only their parents have the most influence on their own children. If the child does not show respect in his own house, it is highly unlikely he will show it anywhere else.
Respect is very important! Being respectful helps your children to be successful in life and without it, being successful is almost impossible!