#253: Relating to Littles, Middles, and Bigs - Do You Want Respect?
Do you want respect from your kids?
We valued this in our home, but what did it look like? Does respect equate to obedience? Talking in the correct tone and verbiage? If you want your kids to “Respect” you, there are a few things you need to consider investing in. In today’s episode we are going to discuss the battle for respect within a home. It looks different for every child at every age.
If respect is a constant battle in your home, then this episode is for you! Let’s jump in!
Things to unpack:
- What is your definition of respect?
- How did this play out in your home when you had small kids?
- Get on their eye level and use your words to direct them.
- Show them respect when changing activities, treat them older than they are- like people not like lesser than.
- Middle aged?
- Give them more responsibilities and opportunities to be given respect
- And now older kids?
- As a parent you are building respect in the younger years for this season! Now is the time to talk with respect to your child.
- Use questions, conversation, mistakes to grow respect.
- What is at the heart of respect?
- To like and value someone .
- What is it about for the small, middle-aged, and older kid?
- How do we find the root issue? (these are good but we did not address this... remember for another time)
- How did you correct your kids when they “disrespected” you?
- Point it out- call it disrespect, and above all else be an example of respecting them first!
Verses:
- Proverbs 23:22 - Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
- Proverbs 1:8-9 - Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. (9) They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
- Exodus 20:12 - Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
Conclusion:
What are 1-2 ways parents can cultivate mutual respectfulness in their homes? What do they do if they feel like it’s hopeless and their kids can’t unlearn their behaviors?
- Clear the slate: Ask for forgiveness
- Pay attention to your tone & facial expressions
- Have a conversation to define respect and the desire for it in your relationships
