Respect
Knock first! Teaching respect
Month 7 · Activity 12 · Character Traits
Instructions
- Preschoolers often mimic behavior. To teach respect an adult must show respect as preschoolers are watching
- You cannot teach respect if you are disrespectful to your children
- A simple idea is to practice knocking on closed doors and asking to enter. This shows respect and it is easy for adults to model when they want to enter a child’s bedroom, bathroom, etc.
- Teach the child to knock on closed doors before entering and to ask for permission to enter. For example, a child knocks on the closed bedroom door and asks "Mom, may I please come in?"
Simplify
If as a parent you feel a child has been disrespectful to you, don't overreact. Stay calm and in control so you can gain the child's attention by making eye contact and if possible stand in front of them so they can clearly see you. Show that you have empathy, self-control, and respect when dealing with issues. Ask the child why they acted the way they did and then give some tools to solve the problem. Respect the preferences that a child has that are different from yours as you ask for their opinions and suggestions.
For example, a child was eating a cookie while walking up the stairs in their home, and crumbs were falling. The mom asked the child to please stop but the child continued up the stairs. What happened next?
Extend
Watch/Listen to the book "Berenstain Bears - Show Some Respect"
QUESTIONS FOR CHILD
Share something you saw that showed respectful behaviors.
Would you rather be known as a bully or someone who is kind and why?
Materials
- door for knocking
Language Skills
Social Skills
Problem Solving Skills
