Why does the saying, age is just a number, come with exclusions when talking about respect? By far, we are accustomed to hearing ‘respect your elders’, but why just elders and exclude children. Yes, you love your child, but then how do you show that you love them? In the words of Miguel Angel Ruiz, respect is one of the greatest expressions of love. Understand that respect is the best love language you can deliver to your child. While there will be limitations, simply giving importance to their choices, values, capacities, abilities, keeping up with the promises you make to them, etc., can make them feel respected. Respect is essential because it acts like a catalyst that delivers the following by-products in your child’s journey.
1. Reciprocators Of Respect
You can only pass on the legacy when you are a part of it. Respect, too, is a two-way street. In order to expect children to respect others, you need to show them how it feels when you are respected. Once the child grasps the concept practically, they will automatically foster the same without you having to teach them.
2. Boosts Their Self Esteem
As a parent, you must ensure that they are involved in small chores, patiently listen to them and remember to consider their take on those things if possible. Showering them with words of appreciation acts as a bonus that their opinions matter. Now you might count these small gestures like a drop in a vast ocean, but it has a tremendous effect on the overall performance of children in the long run.
3. Makes Them Aware Of Their Strengths
As a parent, when you demonstrate your respect for children, you show that you trust them with their choices. It’s like a validation that they seek from you, and such green signals help them affirm their potential. They turn out to be more responsible and efficient in problem-solving. When you respect your child, you make them independent and capable of taking charge of their actions as well.
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4. Lesser Conflicts
Children, especially teenagers, have a common complaint with their parents and society that they are always misunderstood or unheard. It is often observed that teenagers have conflicts with their parents when parents are over-controlling in nature. But if you, as parents, try to understand your child’s point of view, understand why their thought process differs and respect their perspective, the number of conflicts are sure to go down.
5. Learns About Self-respect
The struggle for self-acceptance comes to an end, and children understand their value when they are accepted for who they are without any terms and conditions. This gives them a choice to make decisions for themselves, whether it’s about allowing someone to invade a certain amount of their privacy or something else. In addition to this, it is commonly observed that children who value themselves are less likely to indulge in smoking, drugs, etc., and make better choices in life.
6. Incorporates Healthy Relationships
Everybody wants to be heard, children are no exceptions. When you construct a school of thought where children have mutual participation, you also build a seamless channel for open communication. Children who grow up in such an environment tend to be happier and share a close bond with their parents because they know they can put forth their thoughts without the fear of being judged. Alternatively, they become considerate of others’ feelings and opinions as well.
The problem that people face when respecting children is that they treat them as children and don’t take them that seriously. If you want your child to respect someone’s boundaries, privacy, choices, etc., start respecting theirs and be their role models. After all, children are great at imitating.
