The authors of the book Crucial Conversations observe that in any conversation, respect is like air. When it’s present nobody notices, but when it’s absent it’s all anybody can think about.
How do you feel when you are disrespected? How do you feel when your boss doesn’t listen to you and lectures you yet again? How do you feel when your friend makes fun of you when you are with other friends?
Guess what? Our kids feel the same way when we disrespect them.
So how do we respect our kids in parenting while still instructing them?
Here are some great ways to respect your kids:
Hear them out — Before you cut them off because you know exactly the issue and how to solve it, listen a little longer. Keep respect in the air.
Watch your tone — Remember your kids are little humans. They don’t like harsh tones from their authorities any more than you do.
End with encouragement — Even if the conversation is hard, let them know at the end you love them, you believe in them and you are for them.
Aretha Franklin said “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me.” Good parenting advice there. Find out what it means to respect your kids and start putting respect -- more oxygen -- into your parenting conversations.
