{"id":9071,"date":"2021-09-13T18:30:37","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T18:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/esperanzaunited.org\/?post_type=cde-knowledge-base&p=9071"},"modified":"2026-02-27T07:24:07","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T12:24:07","slug":"respecting-others","status":"publish","type":"cde-knowledge-base","link":"https:\/\/esperanzaunited.org\/en\/knowledge-base\/our-community-says-no-mas\/respecting-others\/","title":{"rendered":"Respecting others"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Respecting others<\/strong><\/h3>

\u200bIf you teach your children to respect themselves and others, they will learn its importance in healthy relationships.<\/span><\/p>

State your values<\/b><\/h4>

Parents are the primary influence on children. Make sure your children know what you believe and what you consider to be appropriate behavior regarding language, sexuality, dating, etc. Be prepared to explain your reasoning. Your children need to know your values so they can develop their own. And yes, they may disagree with you or even defy you, but this is often a clear sign you have done well \u2013 you have children who listened to you, are deeply thoughtful, and are capable of making increasingly mature and complex decisions.<\/span><\/p>

Equally important: Practice your values. Be respectful, kind, humble, and honest in your relationships with your own parents and your partner. Your words will be more meaningful if you model the values and habits you want your children to develop.<\/span><\/p>

But even if, at times, you do not \u201cpractice what you preach,\u201d this does not disqualify you from teaching your children values \u2013 being perfect is not a requirement of parenthood. Teach from your experience. If, for example, you were sexually active when you were your children\u2019s age and are now discussing how you want them to wait until they are more mature, you can use your own experience to raise their awareness of the risks and how decisions have consequences (see \u201cStart talking: Healthy Communication\u201d for more information). Admitting to your own lapses in judgment or values can provide a powerful, persuasive reason for making different, healthy decisions.<\/span><\/p>

Include everyone<\/b><\/h4>

Most parents hope their children will explore and develop their interests, skills, and strengths, and that others will value and respect their children. Model the underlying values: The belief that all people are valuable and unique; mutual respect, equal rights, and opportunities for everyone; and that all people should be able to enjoy the full spectrum of human feeling and activity.<\/span><\/p>

Give your child opportunities beyond gender stereotypes:<\/span><\/p>