Been thinking about this lately. If we dont demand respect from our own kids, why would anyone else give it to them? Not talking about being mean. But saying please and thank you to your parents, doing what you're asked the first time, that stuff matters. Teaching my kids that respect goes both ways and its the foundation for everything else.
Yep. Kids who don't respect their parents tend to not respect teachers, coaches, bosses later on. It all starts at home. But respect goes both ways - you have to show them respect too or it rings hollow.
The tricky part is earning respect instead of just demanding it. I see too many dads expecting kids to respect them based on age alone and then wondering why their teenagers ignore them. Mutual respect works way better.
This hits different when you realize your kids will treat others the way they see you being treated. Set the bar high at home and it becomes normal for them everywhere else. Good call thinking about this.
What does respect actually look like in practice for you? Because I think a lot of us know it's important but implementing it is the hard part. Are you talking about tone? Following through on discipline? Something else?
Been noticing my 6yo mirrors my tone way too much. When I'm sharp with him he's sharp with his little sister. Fixed my tone and suddenly everything changed. Respect is contagious in both directions.
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Respect and fear are different things and I think some parents conflate them. My dad demanded respect through fear and I just avoided him. Now I'm trying to teach my kids respect by modeling it and actually listening to them.