Childhood is probably the only phase in life when a human being can be free of worry, fear, and disturbing thoughts. There is no doubt about the fact that some of our best memories are created when we are very young. However, there is a problem that is not very commonly spoken of - children are gullible and very raw in their reactions. This can create issues, especially during social interactions, where they are prone to outbursts and creating a scene when things do not go in their favour.
While being naive can cause problems too, having an adult around them can facilitate minimising the issues that arise out of it. But, the rawness of their reactions needs to be discussed and tempered down in order to improve the quality of their interactions with the world. Respect is an emotion that needs to be taught and established clearly for kids in social settings. This is significant because they can often exhibit signs of disrespect, since they are not aware of the ways of the world, yet. Here are some tips that can aid you in mentoring them about respect in a social context:
1. Demonstrate respectful behaviour
Children literally look up to their parents and emulate their behaviour, as they are the primary points of observation available to them. This implies that parents have the additional responsibility of having the best attitude around their young ones. Exhibit appropriate etiquette whether it is by showing empathy, speaking kindly or listening keenly. They learn to become better humans by observing you and internalizing the same.
2. Active listening
It is stated that in order to be a good speaker, one must first be an excellent listener. Hence, train your children to be active listeners, first. This will help them respect the space of the speaker and will also improve their communication skills.
3. Use polite language
A crucial part of being respectful in social settings is learning to use appropriate words to communicate with others. The wrong set of words can distort the message and create misunderstandings. Teach children to use polite words like “thank you,” “sorry,” “please,” and “excuse me” to foster respect and create a positive atmosphere. Encourage daily practice and praise them when they use polite language correctly, supporting them to build respectful communication habits.
4. Honour boundaries
Instil in children that boundaries are subjective and vary from person to person. Explain how actions like chatting or hugging may feel normal to them (if they are extroverted in nature) but could make others uncomfortable. Encourage them to seek permission before going ahead. Similarly, empower them to set and maintain their own boundaries, letting them know it’s okay to say no to any demonstration of physical affection such as hugs or kisses. This fosters mutual respect and understanding.
5. Cultivate patience
Patience is rightfully referred to as a virtue, but it is hard to get hold of it. But once children get a grip on the same, it can become rewarding for them as they grow older. As they grow up in a generation that favours instantaneous results, learning patience will aid them in maintaining relationships and achieving larger goals as these cannot be done in a day or ten. Since patience fosters empathy and active listening, they become respectful of others’ opinions. They learn to put forth extra effort to achieve their objectives.
6. Tackle disrespect with kindness and promptness
While you may cover all bases as a parent to ensure that your child shows respect in a social context, remember that there may be times when things can spiral out of your control. In such situations, remember to address the element of disrespect right away and explain to your child in a kind but firm manner that their words or actions in the situation were wrong and that they must rectify it going forward. For example, If your child starts shouting while standing in a queue, gently explain that this behaviour is inappropriate and disrespectful in public. Advise them to express their needs politely instead. While doing so, ensure that you acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that modifying the behaviour does not change your love for them.
It is quite complex to handle children and orient them towards respecting others and their boundaries in a public space. These tips can help you navigate the situation optimally and guide them to be kind and empathetic individuals of tomorrow. Implement one tip at a time and see how your children gradually transform in front of your eyes. Happy parenting!
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