Teaching kids respect for elders in an age of no respect | DadHQ

Teaching kids respect for elders in an age of no respect

1w ago1 min read

My daughter came home and was talking back to her grandmother. I put a stop to that immediately. Made her apologize and explain why that wasn't acceptable. She's 13 so I know the attitude is normal but I'm not raising a kid who thinks she can be disrespectful to someone who's lived twice as long as she has. These are hard conversations but they matter. We're losing something as a society when young people don't understand that respect has to be earned by age and experience if nothing else.

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Comments(6)

JJosh M.Regular1w ago

This is important stuff. Kids need boundaries and understanding that you speak differently to different people. But also make sure you're modeling the respect you want to see. Kids learn more from what we do than what we say.

KKyleRegular1w ago

This is huge. My kids have started picking up some attitude too and I've realized it starts with consistency. You shutting it down right away sends the message that respect isn't negotiable. Good on you for not letting that slide.

RRick M.Regular1w ago

How did you address it with her after? I find the immediate correction is important but then having a conversation about WHY we treat grandparents with respect seems to stick better than just punishment.

MMichaelRegular1w ago

Kids need clear expectations about how they talk to adults. My approach is teaching them respect starts at home with how you treat them too. It's a two way street. What did she actually say to your mom?

MMikeRegular1w ago

Teaching respect is important but how you do it matters. Was it about her tone with her grandmother or the content of what she said? Kids push boundaries but there's a difference between being sassy and being disrespectful. Might be worth understanding what set her off.

NNate K.New Dad1w ago

I had a similar moment with my daughter last week. The thing is, kids test boundaries constantly and they actually respect you more when you hold firm on things like respect for elders. Sounds like you handled it right.