The word respect is a little tricky to define. What does it mean to be respectful to others as well as yourself? It is a combination of actions and feelings. Respect is shown through actions, you treat those you respect politely and kindly, but it is deeper than that. If you respect someone, you hold their thoughts and ideas in high regard and you care about how the person feels. You may not always agree with everything the other person thinks, but you believe that the person’s ideas, thoughts, and feelings are important. You believe that he or she deserves to be treated well.
You can’t really treat others with respect until you respect yourself.
Being good to yourself and knowing that you matter and are important to others, helps you treat others with respect. A few ways to treat yourself well are to take care of your body and your mind by eating healthy food, exercise regularly, get plenty of rest, try your best at school and anywhere else you happen to be. Trying every day to put your best foot forward will help you feel good about yourself.
If you respect yourself you will respect others, especially those who you are closest to like your family, friends, and teachers. You can show this by doing little things like letting your Mom sleep in if she was up late the night before working, or playing with your little brother even though the game he likes is not very fun for you, or helping your Dad with chores around the house. Listening to a friend who is having a hard time, or helping an older person get on a bus are other examples of being respectful.
Basically, giving time in a positive way to help others is the way to show respect.
It is also important to respect property, nature and other living things, as well as the many different laws and beliefs. Being respectful in every way is an important characteristic that will greatly enhance your life. Here is a fun activity that will help you work on and remember ways to be respectful.
This article is number eight in a ten part series inspired by the book What Do You Stand For? A Guide To Building Character For Kids by Barbara A. Lewis.
My tool box
Clean up an old tool box from the garage or make your own by decorating and putting a handle on a shoe box. Label the front in big letters MY TOOL BOX.
On strips of paper, write down the “tools” you have that show respect to yourself and others such as “I’m a caring friend” or “I’m good at doing my chores” or “I’m good at helping others with their math” or “I like eating fresh fruit.”
Don’t stop until you run out of ideas. Every day, think through what you have done and add things to your tool box as they come to mind.
If you are having a bad day, are discouraged with yourself, or you feel you did something disrespectful, open up your tool box and read about all your positive tools. You will feel better, be able to forgive yourself, and keep trying.
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