Building up Virtues- Talking about Respect
A smile brightens up your day. I found this photo while sorting out the boy’s old photo. This picture was taken when Roy was about 5mths old.
Since the boys are now 2 and 4 I find that it is time that we start on educating them on the important of virtues and values.
In this post I will be addressing the virtue of Respect.
Respect- An attitude of caring about people and treating them with dignity.
Respect is valuing ourselves and others by speaking and acting courteously. When we are respectful we treat others the way we want to be treated.
Respecting Others
I strongly believe in this aspect of showing respect to others. If one is respectful to another he/she will earn the other person’s respect. I feel that it is important for them to learn from young their Ps and Qs.
Please ,thank you and excuse me should be part of their commonly used vocabulary.
I make it a point for the boys to ask politely before they will be given whatever they request for.
Roy loves shouting ” Give me!! Give me!! I want it” when he sees something he fancies.
I would prompt him to ask nicely or he wouldn’t get what he desired.
“Can I have [it] please mummy?” I would say and repeat it a few times to get him to say after me.
If I do not hear at least a “please mummy/daddy” he would not get what he wants. Even all the fussing, crying and screaming that comes with him showing his frustration in not getting the item does not make me waver from my stance.
” No you didn’t ask nicely you won’t get it” would be my final answer to Roy.
I don’t believe in giving in to him each time he kicks up a fuss as it would only mean that his attempt at manipulating the situation to his advantage has work.
Roy turning on the waterworks has little effect on ” Stone Heart” Mummy.
Respecting the Elderly
Showing special respect for the elderly is highly emphasized in our culture.
Addressing and greeting the elderly is a must when the kids go and visit their grandparents and greatgrand mother. I will make sure that they greet everyone duing our visits and say goodbye to all when it is time to leave.
Self Respect
Showing self respect is important especially for a young child. It makes sure that no one hurts you or abuses you, even an elder.
I got Ryan this book –
when he was 3yrs old which explains to him how he should respect himself by protecting his own body. I intend to share this with Roy too when he is older.
How do you impart the value of Respect to your kids?