Teaching kids how to respect the rights and properties of others is something that parents must do right from the start, even when their children are still little. In fact, we have to start teaching them the value of respect at an early age so they can carry it with them through adulthood.
But how do we do this when young children don’t even know the meaning of respect?
I actually got frustrated teaching my daughter how to respect others when she was just a toddler. But before I lost it, I took a deep breath and looked for better, easier ways on how to teach a child respect for other people’s property. And I did. Now, my little girl, who is already 4 years old, is a little bit respectful. Not perfect, but we will get there.
So, let me share to you what I found and applied on my daughter.
How to Teach Kids to be Respectful of Others and their Property
1. Be a role model. Children are great imitators. So, this is probably the best way of teaching them anything. Always practice what you preach. When children hear what you say and see that you do it, they will soon follow. For instance, ask or inform your child in a respectful way each time you take away a toy or anything that belongs to him.
2. Demonstrate what you teach. It is not easy for children to understand what you are trying to say. But showing them what you mean can be effective. For example, saying someone’s property is important to that person and should be respected, should be coupled with showing your child what a person can feel if that property is ruined or taken without permission.
3. Instill empathy in your child. When children know how to put themselves in other people’s shoes, they can easily understand what respect is. So, the next time they think about being rude to others or grabbing another person’s things, they will hesitate and think about how they would feel if the deed is done to them.
4. Praise your child with every respectful thing he does. When his good deed is acknowledged and praised, it will grow and he will learn to respect others more. However, don’t ignore the bad. Correct him when he does something wrong. Just don’t let it drag on and focus on the good, instead.
5. Apply a consequence every time your child disrespects someone or his property. There should be a corresponding consequence when your child shows disrespect. “Punishments†should lean towards amending the bad by doing something to make up for it.
Teaching kids lessons on respecting other’s property is no easy task. But no matter how hard it is, this is one thing we should do so they become better persons.
We are lucky enough that we have found simple ways of teaching children respect in their young age from helpful parenting websites. And here it has somehow made our responsibilities easier.
While parenting is a great challenge, we can make it fun and a bit easier with the help of positive parenting sites like The Rainbow Mama and Smart Parenting. These sites offer so many informative articles about raising children positively and provide tips and activities that we and our children can benefit from. They definitely helped me stay sane throughout my daughter’s terrible twos and thrashing threes moments.
Get more advice about positive parenting on The Rainbow Mama.