Respecting your elders is something that most children are not taught these days. However, this outdated practice is still very valid in today´s world.

These days, it is very rare to hear a child speak to adults with respect. The majority of children don’t even know what respect is, much less emulate it. Although you don’t necessarily have to teach your kids to say “sir” and “madam”, there are some conventions that are just good to have in place.

While children shouldn’t be required to abide by the old-fashioned rule, “Children should be seen and not heard”, it is a good idea to teach your children to be polite. Don’t allow them to interrupt whenever they wish. You can teach your children to wait for a pause in the conversation and then say something like, “Excuse me” if they would like to talk to you about something else. Otherwise, if they are going to contribute to the conversation, teach them that it is best to wait until there is a pause, not to talk on top of someone else.

How do you teach your children not to interrupt? By not giving them the attention they require when they start talking in the middle of your conversation. The first few times, you may wish to say something like, “Wait until I’m finished” or “I’m talking right now”. Then just hold up your hand. At the next break, turn your attention to the child. He or she will quickly learn that it is not acceptable to interrupt. However, be prepared for the same treatment when you accidentally interrupt your kids!

Children should also learn to use a prefix with adult names. Saying “Mr. Jensen” is far more polite than simply “John”. It is completely appropriate for children to call people by their formal names and it should be encouraged. It sounds polite and teaches children that adults are to be treated with respect.

Politeness in general should be encouraged. It is simply something that children need to learn and should be incorporated into daily education just like anything else, such as picking up your toys. Children who learn to treat others respectfully are usually better behaved at home, as well, which is a big bonus for parents.

Treating others respectfully is also a matter of example. If you are polite and act educated, then your children will follow suit. It is up to the parents to model good behavior and to avoid treating others badly, even behind their backs. Children see and understand a lot more than we give them credit for, so it is important that you are careful in your own behavior.

Article Source