The concept of respect is one that is absolutely crucial for our children to understand. Our society is drifting further away from the basic ideas of courtesy. It used to be that children addressed their elders as “ma’am” and “sir.” Back-talk simply was unheard of. And if a child did slip, well, there was a willow branch switch waiting for them behind the woodshed.
As the years have gone by and lawmakers have sought to stamp out child abuse, discipline has taken on a different form. In many ways, this has been good for us, as parents have turned to alternate ways of dealing with issues, often addressing the child’s emotional needs, which is more effective than a spanking. But as we’ve taken this step, we, in many cases, have gone too far the other direction, and we’re seeing signs of it everywhere in children who act disrespectfully to all those around them and aren’t curtailed by their parents. These children, in many cases, grow up to be adults who don’t care how their actions affect others, and they can cause real damage, from broken relationships to breaking the law.
I was in a social situation today where I was surrounded by children from many different families. I was absolutely appalled at the blatant lack of respect those children were showing to all around them. Now, I’m no angel and I’m certainly not qualified to speak on what goes on in the homes of others, but I was deeply bothered. As soon as I got home, I called my children around me and we had a “family meeting,” as I call times when I sit and lecture and I expect everyone to listen and agree with me. I explained that the behavior of these other children was far from respectful, and that I was going to do everything I could to teach my own children how to use that most necessary quality in their own lives.
This isn’t found in a curriculum book, and it’s not on a test. I doubt my children will have to prove their respectfulness to get into college. But in so many ways, possession of this trait will bless their lives. And because they are taught at home, and have interaction with me throughout the day, I’m in a perfect position to monitor their behavior and guide them toward making proper, respectful choices.
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