Raising respectful children can at times, seem like an insurmountable task. We can encourage our children from their youngest years to start putting respect into place. If we start when they are little and maintain a habit of using respect ourselves, the task should come fairly naturally to our children.

Talk with your children about respect. Teach them that everyone has the need to be respected. You can show them situations (TV is a good example) of when someone is being treated unfairly. Always ask them how they would feel if they were treated that way. This creates empathy and puts them in other people's shoes. Remember though, to praise your child when you see them being considerate of someone else's feelings. This will encourage them to continue the behavior. When your child gets put down or puts down another child, talk about it together and us it as a learning experience.

Overall, as a parent you need to clearly state your expectations. Have these expectations be a family rule and exhibit them to everyone regardless of how they look or where they come from. Set limits on criticism and harsh comments.

Once you show your child why respect is needed and beneficial to everyone, it will become a valuable tool for showing love to each other. It will also enrich everyone's world. Don't neglect it!

Dionna strives to raise her respectful children in Boise, Idaho. She is Editor of Emphasis On Moms which is a newsletter focused on encouraging moms at http://www.EmphasisOnMoms.com/