Teaching our Kids Respect...

Teaching our Kids Respect...

Teaching our Kids Respect...

I’ve been butting heads with my pre-teen lately. I’m trying to figure out why we keep clashing and if I’m really the horrible mean mother he keeps telling me I am.

Well, I know I’m doing my best and that I’m not horrible, nor is he horrible. We’re both wading through new territory trying to figure out where we’re going and what we want. There is no parent manual – sure there are books and articles galore that might provide a tip. But really, we’re on our own. I believe gut instinct should prevail above all else. At the end of the day, my goal as a mother is to raise children that are world class humans.

If children are being amazing world class humans, then all the other great stuff should be a bi-product – being happy, healthy, giving, etc so it gives me a simple focus. I’m trying to live my own life like this more and am conscious that I’m a role model and my children look to me to show them how being a good human comes back in waves and is the best choice to make in all aspects of their lives.

There will be days when raising a world class human are super challenging. Often. If you want some inspiration on how to deal with your child and conflicts that may come up – watch this! Sometimes we really have to be the adult and rise above all the horrible things being said and done and just STOP. No one said this was easy and I’m still working on the delivery and putting this into practice but at least I’m aware of the situation so I can keep trying to improve it. This is the first step.

I recently heard Dan Sullivan (an expert entrepreneur) share his refer-ability habits about how people should live their lives. Even though most of us think we do this daily, having these in writing and clear to see ourselves and share with our kids is a bonus and great reminder.

  1. Show up on time. Everyone’s time is precious so respect yourself and others by being where you say you’ll be. No exceptions.
  2. Finish what you start. If you don’t think you’ll finish something because the passion isn’t there, don’t start. Enough said.
  3. Do what you say you’re going to do. Again, be accountable to yourself and others and live by your own words. Think before you speak.
  4. Say please and thank you. Simple common courtesy is the base line and everyone needs to do this.

When we teach our children to respect other people’s time and also appreciate them it all grows from here. If children show they can’t do these simple but super important things they are showing that they can’t be counted on. If they do these 4 basic things they will also reap the beautiful rewards that come from performing as a world class human and this will encourage more of the same behavior.

I don’t know about you, but living by these 4 rules will certainly be a step in the right direction to help be and raise world class humans! Do you agree??