‘SHOW SOME RESPECT’
By Claire Marketos
We seem to live by double standards when it comes to respect. Most adults expect children to respect them, yet they do not treat youngsters with respect.
According to the Oxford Dictionary the alternative words for respect are ‘high opinion, reverence, admiration…’
When children bully other children who are they emulating? The school secretary who shamed them for asking for help? The teacher who shouted at them or the parent that smacked them? After all children live what they see.
How can we reprimand a youngster who is disrespectful when the adults around him are swearing while cutting others off on the road; using violence as a way of expressing anger and getting what they want?
Children witness bullies both in positions of power and at home being rewarded for their behaviour, and they know that some adults are literally getting away with murder. If our children begin to ‘admire’ these adults then they too will treat others with disrespect, and we should not be surprised that bullying is on the increase in our schools?
As adults we have to role model respect by treating our children with empathy; the ability to put yourself in someone else’s position, try to understand what they are feeling, and respond in a sensitive way. Empathic people find it very difficult to inflict pain on others.
As our children are acknowledged and nurtured they in turn will treat others with dignity and respect.
It is our responsibility to stand together as a prideful nation and show respect and reverence not only for the rules and laws we have in this country, but for the diversity of cultures and the rich environment we have as well.
Published on My News 24.com (April, 2009)