Guidepost in this resilience roadmap: Mutual Respect
Mutual respect between parents and children is crucial as it establishes the cornerstone of constructive and nurturing relationships. When parents demonstrate respect towards their children, it fosters a sense of dignity and self-esteem within the child. When both individuals feel respected and valued, they are more likely to share their thoughts and feelings with each other, leading to a deeper understanding and connection. In this article, we will further explore the ways to build mutual respect.
How do we show respect to our children?
Active listening
Be present when engaging in conversations with your child.
Put down your phone or work and have eye contact while in conversations with your child.
Get down to their level and make eye contact
Be punctual and reliable
Fetch your child from school on time or as promised
Following through on your promises and commitments to your child
Validate and Recognize Your Child’s Feelings
Validating their feelings without judgement, using positive scripts
Allowing them to struggle to master a skill in a safe environment and with appropriate expectations
Allocating time for them to finish their tasks and conversations
Demonstrate empathy and understanding
Respond mindfully with empathy and understanding.
Speaking to them like adults (not “baby talks”)
Respecting Boundaries
Communicate openly and honestly
Accept mistakes and learn together
Including them in planning and carrying out daily activities
Mutual respect creates a psychological safe space. It allows your child to feel secure enough to be open and vulnerable, communicate freely and express their needs and desires without fear of judgement or rejection. Consistently practising these behaviours models respectfulness and helps your child learn to respect themselves and others.
When obedience is simply expected, without understanding and respect, connection is lost, not gained. – Eileen
