9 Strategies for Parents to Teach Kids Respect

Teaching children respect is fundamental to their development. It shapes their ability to empathise, communicate, and interact positively with others. Respect helps children recognise social cues and engage appropriately in various settings, fostering effective communication.

This article explores 9 proven strategies to learn how to teach children respect, emphasising its pivotal role in nurturing empathetic, well-rounded individuals who thrive in social and academic environments. Let’s delve in!

Table Of Contents

Model Respectful Behaviour
Set Clear Expectations
Encourage Empathy
Praise Respectful Behavior
Teach Polite Language
Address Disrespect Immediately
Promote Active Listening
Use Stories and Media to Teach Children Respect
Get Involved in Community Service
Raising Respectful Children with UNIS Hanoi

Model Respectful Behaviour

According to psychologist Jerry Wyckoff, respect cannot be demanded but must be demonstrated. To understand how to teach children respect, show respect by actively listening to your child, even when their communication is unclear. Engage at their level by making eye contact, kneeling, or sitting.

This approach conveys that you value their thoughts and feelings, fostering mutual respect and teaching them the importance of attentive listening. Through your actions, children learn to emulate respectful behaviour in their interactions with others.

Set Clear Expectations

Clearly defined guidelines and expectations help children understand what respectful behaviour looks like and how to demonstrate it. For instance, learning how to teach children respect involves using visual aids, such as posters, to list expectations, including raising hands before speaking, asking for permission, and listening attentively to others.

Visual reminders reinforce behavioural standards, making it easier for children to internalise and practice respect consistently. Establishing and communicating these expectations guides children toward respectful and inclusive interactions.

Encourage Empathy

Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others, which naturally leads to respectful behaviour. One effective method how to teach children respect is to help them recognise and respond to emotions through facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language.

For instance, parents can encourage supportive actions such as offering companionship or seeking help if a child appears sad or isolated. Empathy not only nurtures respectful interactions but also enhances emotional intelligence.

For a structured approach to developing empathy, UNIS Hanoi incorporates a curriculum to cultivate compassion and understanding among students. Our program focuses on extending thinking, reflecting on experiences, and fostering supportive relationships, which helps children become more empathetic and respectful.

Praise Respectful Behavior

Praising respectful behaviour helps reinforce positive actions in children and is an essential part of how to teach children respect. Parents should provide specific and timely praise on particular behaviours, such as using polite language or showing gratitude.

For example, you can commend a child by saying, “You were very polite when you asked to extend your playtime” or “Thank you for saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when receiving a gift.” Clear and immediate praise helps children understand the value of their actions and encourages them to maintain these positive behaviours in the future.

Teach Polite Language

Children should learn to use essential phrases such as “sorry” and “thank you” to express care and appreciation, which is fundamental to how to teach your child manners and respect. Parents can model these behaviours by frequently using polite language in daily interactions.

By consistently demonstrating and explaining the importance of such expressions, children will understand their value and incorporate them into their communication. This approach ensures that politeness becomes ingrained in their behaviour, reinforcing respect in the family and social settings.

Address Disrespect Immediately

When disrespectful behaviour occurs, it should be confronted promptly to prevent escalation. Communicate your expectations and address issues directly with the child involved, keeping in mind strategies on how to teach children respect. Encourage open dialogue and involve parents to support a comprehensive approach to behaviour management.

As with bullying, the individual exhibiting disrespect and those affected may need guidance and support. Early intervention and consistent handling reinforce the importance of courteous interactions, ultimately teaching children respect through modeled behaviour and clear expectations.

Promote Active Listening

Active listening involves paying close attention, acknowledging emotions, and resolving conflicts constructively. Children become more attuned to their peers’ emotions and needs by engaging in active listening.

When practising active listening, you model effective communication and demonstrate how to get your child to listen and respect you. Interactive listening games, such as Simon Says or Pass the Message, can make developing these skills enjoyable and practical.

UNIS Hanoi’s curriculum, which includes group work and class discussions, supports the development of active listening skills. This approach aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme’s emphasis on interactive learning and international understanding.

By integrating these practices, UNIS Hanoi fosters a learning environment where active listening is valued and effectively applied.

Use Stories and Media to Teach Children Respect

Engaging narratives can illustrate respectful behaviours and the consequences of disrespect, making the concept more relatable. For example, reading books like “Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners” by Laurie Keller allows children to see what respect looks like in different contexts and provides insights on how to teach children respect.

Similarly, watching films that centre around moral beauty, such as Disney’s “Inside Out”, can move children and inspire them to expand their circle of sympathy. Through carefully selected stories and media, educators and parents can create meaningful learning experiences that nurture respect in young minds.

Get Involved in Community Service

Through various volunteer activities, children appreciate the importance of community contribution and parents learn how to teach children respect for diverse perspectives. Examples include volunteering at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-up initiatives, and supporting educational programmes for underprivileged children.

Numerous volunteer opportunities are available at UNIS Hanoi, allowing students to engage meaningfully with the local community. The school’s Service Learning Programme is integral to its mission, encouraging students to respect and contribute to society through collaborative projects that address real community needs.

Through these initiatives, UNIS Hanoi enriches students’ educational experiences and promotes a culture of respect and collaboration within society.

Raising Respectful Children with UNIS Hanoi

How to teach children respect involves implementing various strategies, including modeling respectful behaviour, setting clear expectations, and promoting empathy. By integrating these practices into daily routines, parents can significantly influence their children’s capacity for respect and empathy, laying a solid foundation for their future interactions.

UNIS Hanoi strives to foster respectful and empathetic students through its comprehensive curriculum and community involvement. If you seek an environment supporting these values, consider applying to UNIS Hanoi. Our dedicated admissions team is available to assist you throughout the application process.

The online application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now open. For personalised guidance or information on available seats for Semester 2 of 2024-2025, please contact Admissions at admissions@unishanoi.org.