How do you define respect to a 6 y/o??

[KristiKelly]

Okay, my son excels in school, does great in Tae Kwon Do and is a very well-rounded child; however, at home he has started to become very disrespectful. When he was punished for not being respectful, he just cried saying "I don't even know what that means" or "what does that mean?" My DH & I stood there with kind of a "Winnie the Pooh" look on our face and had no definition, you know, it's just one of those words that you know but have no idea how to define it. We looked in 2 different childrens dictionaries that would be on his level but guess what? It wasn't in there, I guess kids today don't need to know about respect. Anyway, I feel really stupid but could someone out there help us with this simple little word. Duh!

 

[KristiKelly]

That was my 75th post

 

[RitaZ.]

Give him examples of things that you find disrespectful and also showing respect. After you've explained it to him, give him scenarios and ask him if he thinks it's one or the other. I hope that made sense, keep it simple.

 

[peg2001]

My DD did this too and I would just get VERY close when she was disrespectful, look her in the eye, and let her know that her "tone, words, attitude" was not acceptable. She would usually sheepishly reply "ok." I think it is just a testing thing. She is already doing much better about 6 months later. Whatever you do, don't let him get away with it. Just imagine how he'll treat you at age 9, 13, 17!!

Peggy

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Funny that you should ask that question! My sister and I were talking about something similar yesterday. She is an elementery special ed teacher/diagnostician. I sub in K-8 in a different city.

As a sub, I am often in the position of handing out worksheets and maintaining order while the worksheets are completed. I was in 1st grade (6 and 7 yo) yesterday. One assignment was VERY easy for some students and not so easy for others. In trying to get the kids to stay quiet, I told them, "Some of your classmates are still working on the assignment. Those of you who are finished owe them the respect of being quiet like they were quiet for you while you were working." My sister said respect was a big concept for them, but by adding the "being quiet like they wer for you" part actually explained it well for 1st graders. And it worked! The kids settled down!

I guess that based on that, the best definition I can give goes right back to the golden rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

 

[kapica3]

To me an easy explanation of "respect" is:

To treat others in a way you yourself would like to be treated.
(i.e. you don't like to be shouted at - do not shout at others, you don't like toys pulled out of your hands, do not do that to others, etc.

Being polite is part of and a good example of being respectful also.

When my daughter was small I often told her, "you're a very smart child, you know right from wrong -- when we are not together - you are to behave as you would if mommy were with you. If you are about to do something - but "Mommy wouldn't like me to do this if she were here" then that is the tip off - Don't do it, its very easy" ---- I guess this is more a lesson in concience (sp) than respect but it may also become useful some day.