I have three boys so teaching them to be respectful is something that is pretty important to me. Boys are often wild and crazy, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t eventually going to grow up to be great men. Little boys rely on their mothers (and their fathers) to teach them how to be respectful to those around them. Here’s what every mama should be teaching her son about respect so that he grows into a man she can be proud of.
1. Everyone Deserves Your Respect
The most important thing you can teach your son about respect is that everyone deserves it. From the cashier at the grocery store to the librarian to the homeless man begging on the street. Your son needs to know that he should treat all people with respect, no matter who they are. This important lesson will serve him well as me moves through his life.
2. Respect Should Be Sincere
I have a son in junior high and that age is hard because they tend to think they know everything and they are quick to point out anyone else’s flaws. Teach your son from an early age that respect should be sincere. A person will likely be able to tell if you’re faking it so practicing honest respect will be a valuable skill as he gets older.
3. Women Are Equally as Important as Men
Boys tend to get their attitudes toward women from the men in their lives, but even a single mom can instill respect toward women. Teach your son that a woman is equal to him, even if they have different talents and jobs. Women who work inside the home or outside the home are both deserving of the respect of the men around them and your son needs to learn this lesson early before the world tells him otherwise.
4. Differences Shouldn’t Detract from Respect
Not everyone is the same and your son needs to learn that each person still deserves respect. That includes the mentally impaired person that begs at your local grocery store, the little girl in the wheelchair at the playground and the developmentally delayed kid that goes to your church. Those differences should be respected and it’s your job to teach your son to do so.
5. It’s Especially Important to Respect Authority
As your son grows, he will encounter teachers, bosses, coaches, other parents and clergy that deserve his respect simply because they are the authority. I always tell my sons that they won’t necessarily like everyone in authority, but that they are absolutely expected to respect those people due to their position.
6. Modeling Respect is the Best Way to Teach It
Telling your son to respect everyone is all well and good, but if you don’t model it, he’s going to get a very different perspective. If you spend your time being disrespectful to your spouse or the person who screwed up your coffee order, your son is likely to begin thinking that it’s ok to treat people with that kind of disrespect.
7. Most Importantly, Your Son Deserves Respect Too
Yes, your son should treat others with respect, but it’s also vital to teach him to demand that respect from others. There’s no reason why your son should have to be treated disrespectfully for any reason. No matter his age, your son should get respect from everyone he interacts with.
How do you teach your son respect?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does respect mean for my son?
- Respect means valuing others' feelings, opinions, and boundaries, and treating everyone kindly and fairly.
- How can I teach my son to respect women?
- Encourage empathy by discussing women's experiences and model respectful behavior in your words and actions.
- At what age should I start teaching respect?
- You can start teaching basic respect concepts as early as toddlerhood and build on them as your son grows.
- How do I correct disrespectful behavior gently?
- Calmly explain why the behavior is hurtful and encourage your son to express himself in a kind way.
- What role does listening play in respect?
- Listening shows that you value others' thoughts, so teach your son to listen attentively without interrupting.
- Should I involve my son in chores to teach respect?
- Yes, sharing responsibilities helps your son appreciate effort and respect the work of others.
- How can I teach my son to respect boundaries?
- Discuss personal space and consent regularly, emphasizing that everyone has the right to say no.
- Is it important for my son to respect diversity?
- Absolutely! Teaching respect for different cultures and perspectives fosters kindness and open-mindedness.
- How do I handle disrespect towards others outside the family?
- Address it promptly by discussing empathy, the impact of words and actions, and encouraging apologies if needed.
- Can storytelling help teach respect?
- Yes, stories with relatable characters and situations can illustrate respect and spark meaningful conversations.