Respect is the foundation of successful human relationships, and it is the principle we should raise our children with from an early age. Love alone is not enough, and sometimes excessive pampering can lead to children losing respect for their parents. Therefore, the relationship between a mother and her child should be based on respect first, before building feelings of love.
To promote mutual respect, nadormagazine interviewed educational counselor Rajaa Khalil, who provided 6 steps to help mothers establish mutual respect with their children:
Respect Him in Front of Others
Respect your child and never belittle him in front of others. When you show him respect, he will, in turn, learn to respect you. Avoid mocking or criticizing your child's behavior in front of guests or relatives, as this can cause him to lose self-confidence and respect for you.
Stop Comparing Him to Others
Avoid comparing your child to other children, whether they are younger or older. Every child is unique with different abilities and skills. Comparing children creates negative feelings like envy and resentment, which can reduce the child's respect for you and others.
Listen to Him Without Complaining
Make time to listen to your child without grumbling or getting annoyed. Children love to talk about their feelings, and when they feel their mother is genuinely interested in listening, they learn to respect the feelings of others.
Encourage Him to Express Himself
Encourage your child to express his feelings and thoughts. By talking with your child and engaging with him sincerely, you’ll learn how he thinks, which boosts his confidence in himself and in his relationship with you and others. When a child feels you are his first friend, he will show more respect for you and others.
Ask Him for Genuine Help
Let your child feel responsible by giving him real household tasks. When children feel they are contributing meaningfully to the family, they develop greater appreciation for others and respect for each family member's role.
Apologize to Him If You Wrong Him
If you make a mistake and hurt your child, don’t hesitate to apologize. Children are very sensitive and pick up on every word, look, and gesture. When you apologize, you teach them how to handle their own emotions and how to apologize when they make a mistake. Apologizing fosters mutual respect and teaches children to value the feelings of others.
By following these steps, a mother can build a strong and healthy relationship with her child based on mutual respect. This helps the child develop greater self-confidence and positive values, ensuring a bright future full of respect and understanding.
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