Teaching Expertise

As a parent, one of my biggest goals has always been to raise kids who are kind, respectful, and responsible. But I’ll be the first to admit—sometimes, it feels like an uphill battle. Between social media, peer pressure, and the fast pace of today’s world, it can seem like respect is becoming a lost art. I remember one afternoon when I overheard my child talking to a friend online. The tone wasn’t just rude—it was downright shocking. I found myself wondering, “How did we get here? Where did that respect go?”

Sound familiar? The truth is, raising respectful kids in today’s world takes effort, consistency, and a whole lot of patience. It can be tough, especially when technology seems to pull our kids away from us. But don’t worry, I’ve got some practical tips that can help you “get in your child’s way” in a meaningful, supportive way, while building the foundation for a future filled with respect.

1. Keep the Conversation Open

Raising respectful children starts with open communication. If your kids don’t feel comfortable talking to you, it’s going to be hard for them to learn respect—not just for others, but for themselves. Make sure your home is a space where they can come to you with questions or concerns without feeling judged. Whether they’re dealing with school, friends, or their online world, they need to know you’re there to listen.

Encouraging regular conversations about what respect looks like is crucial. Talk about the importance of respecting others’ opinions, treating people kindly (online and offline), and standing up against disrespect when they see it. As one teacher said, “RESPECT!” It really is the foundation for everything.

Example:

Ask your child questions like, “How do you think your friend felt when that happened?” or “What would you have done differently?” These conversations can shape how they think about respect both in the moment and down the road.

2. Set Clear Boundaries and Stick to Them

Kids need structure, and it’s our job to provide it. Set clear, consistent boundaries around how your children interact with others, especially online. Teach them that there are real consequences for disrespectful behavior—whether it’s talking back to a teacher or bullying someone in a group chat. Let them know that while the online world might seem anonymous, their actions still matter.

Many teachers echoed this in the comments: “1000% YES!!!!” and “Spot on!” They know that setting boundaries is essential for teaching respect. But here’s where it can get tricky—being consistent. We’ve all been there: it’s easier to let something slide after a long day, but following through on consequences is key to making those boundaries stick.

Example:

If your child speaks disrespectfully to a sibling or friend, don’t brush it off. Have them apologize and explain why that behavior was unacceptable. This teaches accountability and helps them understand the impact of their words.

3. Lead by Example

We can’t talk about respect without mentioning the most important teaching tool: you. Children absorb behaviors by watching the adults in their lives. If they see you treating others with kindness and respect—whether it’s holding the door for someone or speaking kindly in disagreements—they’ll learn to do the same. The way you handle everyday interactions sets the standard for them.

As one teacher put it, “Exactly! 💯” Kids are always watching, even when you don’t realize it. So, if you want to raise respectful kids, it starts with you. When they see how you handle difficult situations with grace and understanding, they learn that respect is about how we treat others, especially in challenging moments.

Example:

Next time you’re stuck in traffic or dealing with a frustrating situation, try to model patience and kindness. Afterward, talk with your child about how you handled it and why it’s important to stay calm, even when things don’t go your way.

4. Monitor, But Don’t Micromanage

One of the trickiest balancing acts in parenting today is finding the line between monitoring your child’s online activity and giving them the space to grow. Parental control tools are helpful, but they aren’t the only solution. Keep an eye on what your kids are doing online, but as they get older, let them start taking more responsibility for their actions. The key is to be involved without hovering—giving them room to learn while still guiding them.

As one teacher pointed out: “Well said! 👏” Finding that balance is key. It’s about being involved and aware, but also allowing them to make mistakes and learn from them in a safe environment.

Example:

Use parental controls for younger children, but as they grow, shift toward teaching them how to navigate the internet responsibly. Explain why certain content is off-limits and guide them in making safe decisions online. This gradual transition helps them build confidence and responsibility.

5. Encourage Offline Activities

Let’s face it—kids today spend a lot of time online. While that’s a reality we can’t fully avoid, we can help them find balance by encouraging offline activities that build social skills and real-world connections. Get them involved in sports, encourage family game nights, or introduce hobbies that don’t involve screens. These activities help reinforce respect through real-life interactions, not just what happens online.

Many teachers from the comments felt the same: “Love this!” and “100% agree.” Kids need time away from screens to grow into well-rounded, respectful humans.

Example:

Set aside time each week for a “no screens” family activity—whether it’s hiking, playing board games, or cooking together. These moments allow children to practice respect in real-life scenarios and help build stronger family connections.

6. Teach Digital Literacy and Privacy

The internet isn’t going anywhere, and neither is your child’s online presence. It’s crucial that we teach them how to be respectful digital citizens. This means explaining the importance of privacy, the dangers of cyberbullying, and how to interact kindly with others online. Just as they need to learn to be respectful in the real world, they need to know how to do the same in the digital world.

Teach your child how to think critically about what they see online and how to treat others with respect, even when hiding behind a screen. As one teacher said: “Preach! 🙌🏻”—respecting others online is just as important as it is offline.

Example:

Show your child how to check privacy settings on their social media accounts and discuss why it’s important to protect personal information. Walk them through real-life examples of respectful versus disrespectful online behavior and how to handle cyberbullying or inappropriate content.

Conclusion:

Raising respectful children in today’s fast-paced, digital world might seem overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. It starts with communication, boundaries, and modeling the behavior we want to see. Encouraging them to balance their time online with offline activities and teaching them how to navigate the internet responsibly will help them grow into respectful, responsible adults.

As parents, this is our number one job. By staying connected, setting clear rules, and leading by example, you can help your child grow into the kind of person you can be proud of.