Remember The Other "R"

It's not part of the ABCs. It’s the "R" word. RESPECT. We all need to take some time to refresh, remind, and reiterate the word to our children. Child and Family Therapist Rene Pretorius Parks says, "It's never too early or too late to teach respect."

When children are young, parents are responsible for teaching their children. They model your behavior.

Parents, says Pretorius Parks, "need to be more aware of their own behavior." For example, how do you and your partner react to each other when there is conflict?

Pretorius says, "Children will mimic that behavior and learn from you what an appropriate response to conflict is. Do you cuss and yell at strangers in traffic? Do you make disrespectful remarks about someone you see?"

Parks says, "Sometimes the lack of respect is a multi-generational problem. It's up to us to stop the cycle by being more aware of what we're saying and doing."

As children get older, middle or high schoolers, we still need to talk to them, but perhaps use a different approach. Pretorius Parks says if your child is having a problem with another child, talk about how you've resolved problems with a co-worker or another adult. As our children get older, it’s much harder to enforce respect.

But, don't give up. Pretorius Parks says parents need to be aware that peer influence is important especially for teens. So, even then, it’s important to set boundaries and limits about what's appropriate and what isn't when it comes to respect.

If you're struggling with this, help is available at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. Just go to their website: childrensomaha.org. Check out the Behavioral Health section and visit Parenting U.

It could make or break your child's year at school if respect for teachers isn't part of your back to school preparations.

Pretorius Parks says how we as parents handle calls from our child's teacher when it concerns grades or behavior can be crucial.

She says, “Too often parents become defensive about their child too quickly." Its no secret, teachers spend a lot of class time handling unruly or disrespectful children. Parents can help by teaching respect at home. It can make the entire school experience better for you, your child and your child's teacher.

Remember The Golden Rule? It may be old school, but RESPECT is the key to a child's success, not only in school, but in life.