While it’s important to inculcate a sense of respect for other people, their sensitivities and their property, it’s just as vital toteach your child to respect himself / herself. Let your kid know that he / she should not be afraid to say no to unwanted behavior and should stand up to what he / she believes is right. It’s important that children understand the value of being accommodating, but one should also learn that pleasing others is not a healthy ambition. Unless your child learns the value of self-respect, it will be an uphill, if not impossible task, to teach him / her to respect others.
Six aspects of a self-assured child
The distinction between right and wrong is blurring with each passing day and the world is moving into grayer zones from black and white. In such an environment it’s important that we teach our children the importance of self-respect because not only does a healthy respect for the self, nurtures intelligence, but also teaches them to behave responsibly towards others. Development of the following six aspects can be a great starting point for children to grow to responsible and self-respecting individuals:
Healthy body
Children must learn to love and respect their bodies and adapt a healthy life style. They must feel safe within their home, neighborhood and schools. They must be taught to learn only the good and healthy habits from other. They must understand that cigarettes, alcohol and drugs are harmful and not cool at all, even if these habits are found among more popular students and peers. They must be taught to stand up against physical misdemeanor even if loving relatives or their teachers mete it out. The importance of a healthy body and physical exercise must be inculcated earlyin life.
Healthy mind
Children who grow up in abusive environments grow up presuming abusive is a normal state of existence and there is nothing wrong in it. Do not use foul and harsh language in your child’s presence. If you ever catch you child using abusive language chastise them firmly and explain the ill effects of such behavior. Encourage them to nourish their intellectual prowess and to participate in group events to understand better team work and social behavior. They must learn that it is easy to get carried away by wrong influences. they should be encouraged to explore ideas and should be allowed to fail and learn from failure. They must feel safe in speaking the truth at all times.
Developing an identity
Children must become comfortable with who they are. Talk to them about issues they are likely to face. Help them learn from experiences, both good and bad alike. Inculcate a healthy reading habit and a quest for knowledge. Inspire them to be curious. As they grow allow them to explore who they are without a sense of shame and guilt. Keep them away from the influence of social stereotypes. They should understand that their happiness is more important than satisfying others’ expectations of them. They must learn to accept and overcome their weaknesses to move ahead in life.
Developing a sense of belonging
It’s important that children feel accepted, loved and respected. Be gentle and generous with your love. Encourage them to tell the truth even when the results are not favorable. Listen to them when they have something to say. Involve them in family decisions that pertain to them. Treat them like equals when taking decisions so that they learn to accept responsibility for their decisions.
Building confidence
People’s abilities are often overshadowed by their doubts about the outcome. It’s important that children build confidence and try newer things. Encourage them to explore and learn new things and reward them when they succeed in their endeavors. Support them and encourage them to try again whenever they fail. Teach them to avoid the nay-sayers and to look at life optimistically.
Having a meaningful life
Teach your children to lead by example. They need to understand that their actions have effects on their lives and on lives of other people associated with them. Encourage them to have a purpose and a goal and allow them to carve a lifetime goal for themselves. Inspire them to lead lives that have a purpose and a direction.
Remember, most of us pick up our traits and philosophies as children and grow up retaining them. Teach a child to live with self-respect and you have taught him / her to accept responsibility for his / her actions and pursuits.
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