As a parent, it’s essential to teach children why respect is important to have and to display.

There are two thoughts of mind when it comes to respect.

Some believe that respect is a right, and others believe respect is not to be given without being earned.

Like every other character trait or virtue, respect requires balance and moderation.

Firstly, respect is important because it is a close ally of acceptance.

When there is no acceptance of one another, it’s a very judgemental, disapproving environment to live in. Full of disagreement and complaints.

What must be remembered is everyone has the right to their own opinions and beliefs.

The acceptance of these rights is a sign of respect.

You can respect a person’s rights without agreeing with them.

With this in mind, as a parent, this means allowing your child to make personal choices. Then accept your child’s decision.

Although there are times you’d prefer your child to have made a different option.

When you accept your child’s choices, you empower them by allowing them to make their own decisions.

What’s important to realise is that children grow and learn from their choices and subsequent consequences.

Additionally, it is best that they learn to make choices and discover outcomes when they are young and adaptive.

For that reason, learning to make decisions and discover what outcomes are while they are young allows them to grow into their authentic selves.

It enables them to feel accepted, loved and supported and that they matter.

Undoubtedly, it contributes positively to their self-confidence and self-esteem.

When a child feels accepted for who they are, they learn to embrace others for who they are.

Enforcing one’s opinions or beliefs on others because they differ from your own, or vice versa, shows a lack of respect for another person’s rights.

Secondly, children who face criticism tend to develop a judgmental attitude toward others, often leading to conflicts and potential bullying behaviour.

Teaching respect is crucial to prevent such negative behaviours from arising.

For your child to live a happy life, they are better off growing up and feeling accepted, loved, appreciated and supported.

A child benefits from discovering that their choices are different to others.

Learning that we are all different, and that is what makes life so wonderful and appealing, is a great mindset to have.

Finally, although it’s admirable to embrace and respect diverse beliefs and opinions, it’s essential to instil in your child the understanding that boundaries exist in various facets of life.

The boundary is when people behave in ways that are cruel and hurtful.

In any event, if you want your child to lead a happy life, let kindness be the ethical foundation you encourage your child to stand on.

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