Hi folks, Jack here. I want to teach my kids the importance of respecting others, whether it’s at home, school, or in the community. What are some effective ways to instill respect in kids? — Jack
Alright, JackR_Adventure, welcome to the forum! That’s a fantastic question. Teaching kids about respect is crucial, and it’s something I’m always working on with my teenager.
From my experience, the best approach is to model respect yourself. Kids are always watching and learning, so how you treat others – your partner, family, even the cashier at the grocery store – speaks volumes. I try to be mindful of my tone, listen actively when someone is speaking, and show appreciation for others’ efforts, big or small.
I also find it’s important to talk about respect directly. We have regular family discussions where we explore scenarios and talk about how different actions might be perceived. I try to phrase things like, “How do you think that made your sister feel?” or “Do you think that’s a respectful way to handle the situation?”
We also have some firm rules in our house, things like “no interrupting,” “always use please and thank you,” and “respect other people’s belongings”. These are non-negotiable, and the consequences for not adhering to them are clear. Honestly, it’s a work in progress!
So, I am interested in seeing what others suggest here, I’m always learning.
I think leading by example is a great point to start!
Hi JackR_Adventure, thanks for bringing up such an important topic! Teaching kids respect is definitely one of those ongoing parenting journeys, isn’t it?
As a single mom, I often feel like I’m juggling a million things, and instilling these core values can feel like a whole extra job on top of work, school runs, and just keeping the house from falling apart! For me, a lot of teaching respect comes down to modeling it myself – how I talk to them, how I talk to the cashier at the grocery store, how I handle disagreements. Kids are like little sponges, absorbing everything.
One area I find particularly challenging is making sure that respect carries over into their online interactions. It’s a whole different world, and it’s so easy for things to be misconstrued or for kids to be bolder (and sometimes less kind) than they would be face-to-face. Honestly, trying to keep tabs on all of that while managing everything else felt overwhelming. That’s where I’ve found tools like the Eyezy app to be a real lifesaver, in a quiet, background kind of way. It’s not about being a helicopter parent, but it helps me make sure they’re being respectful online and, just as importantly, that they’re being treated with respect too. If I see something that raises a flag, it’s a chance for us to talk about online etiquette and impact, which is a huge part of respect these days. It simplifies monitoring so I have more mental energy for the actual conversations.
Here are a few things that I try to do, which might help:
- Clear Expectations, Online and Off: We have family rules about how we treat each other and others, and that extends to online spaces. “Think before you type” is a big one in our house.
- Open Dialogue: I try really hard to create an environment where my kids feel they can come to me with anything, even if they’ve messed up or seen something upsetting. It means more listening than lecturing (though that’s hard sometimes!).
- Use Teachable Moments: Whether it’s something they see in a movie, something that happens at school, or even a disagreement between us, I try to use it as a chance to talk about different perspectives and respectful responses.
- Praise Respectful Behavior: When I see them being respectful, I make sure to acknowledge it. Positive reinforcement goes a long way!
It’s definitely a tough gig, especially when you’re the only captain of the ship. Some days I feel like I’m doing okay, and other days I wonder if any of it is sinking in! But just by asking this question, Jack, you’re showing how much you care, and that’s a huge part of it. Keep at it – we’re all in this together, trying to raise good, respectful humans.
Warmly,
Cathy Ivey
Hi Jack, thanks for kicking off such an important topic! I really appreciate your focus on respect in all settings—it’s something I try hard to reinforce with my own teen, especially when it comes to online interactions. At home, we have clear rules about phone and social media use: no phones at the dinner table, and always think before posting or commenting. These rules help my teen practice respectful communication both offline and online. I also encourage open conversations about what respect looks like in everyday situations, and I try to model it myself. I’m still figuring out if a parental control app fits our family—we’re not quite there yet. My best advice: consistent expectations and lots of honest discussions really go a long way!
Hello Jack, it’s lovely to see your commitment to teaching respect! As a grandparent, I sometimes worry about how the digital world impacts our kids’ understanding of respect. I’m not very tech-savvy, but I’ve found that setting clear boundaries and having open, honest conversations about how we treat others—both in person and online—helps a lot. I haven’t used any parental control apps yet, but I’m exploring simple tools to support these lessons. Looking forward to hearing what others suggest!
Hi Jack, great question! Building on what others have mentioned, one effective way is by modeling respectful behavior yourself—kids learn a lot through observation. Additionally, setting clear expectations and discussing why respect matters can help them understand its importance. Encouraging open communication and teaching empathy also play vital roles. Remember to praise respectful behaviors when you see them, reinforcing positive habits. Consistency is key, so be patient and persistent as your kids learn these values. Keep engaging in conversations about feelings and respect, and you’ll foster a caring attitude over time.
@OrbitShifter, I completely agree that the digital world adds a layer of complexity to teaching respect. As someone who’s tested a variety of parental control tools, I can say even basic features—like screen time monitoring or filtering inappropriate content—can make a difference for less tech-savvy families. You might find Google Family Link particularly approachable for setting healthy boundaries on device use without being overwhelming. Its interface is quite user-friendly, and you can set limits or approve apps with just a few taps. Even if you don’t use every feature, these apps can help spark important conversations about respect online. It’s great that you’re open to exploring new tools—sometimes, even the simplest ones can help reinforce those valuable lessons. If you need step-by-step setup advice, feel free to ask!
Hi Jack, that’s a great question! While I don’t have kids, I think teaching respect is all about modeling it. Kids learn by watching us. Show them how you treat others, even when you disagree. Open communication is key; talk about why respect matters and listen to their perspectives. Also, setting clear boundaries and expectations helps, but always prioritize fostering trust over control.
Hi Jack, that’s such a wonderful question!
In our family, we’ve found that one of the most powerful ways to teach respect is by modeling it through dedicated, screen-free time. We have a “no devices at the dinner table” rule, which forces us to look at each other, listen actively, and value what everyone has to say.
It’s a simple act, but it shows our kids that the people in front of them deserve our full attention. When they see us put our phones down to listen to them, it teaches them that their thoughts and feelings are respected. It’s about being present, and that has been the most effective lesson for us.
Hi Jack, teaching respect starts with modeling it ourselves at home. Show your kids how you treat others with kindness and consideration. Discuss different perspectives and emphasize empathy. Reinforce respectful behavior with praise and address disrespect with calm, constructive feedback. Family discussions about values can also be very helpful!
Hey Jack! I don’t have kids yet, but from a young adult’s perspective, I think the most powerful way to teach respect is to show it first. It has to be a two-way street. For example, instead of just using monitoring apps to track everything, having an open conversation about online safety and trusting them with some privacy shows you respect their judgment. When a teen feels trusted and respected, they’re much more likely to show that same respect back to you and others. It builds a foundation of mutual understanding, not just a list of rules to follow.