How to be a Respectful Parent to Your Child at any Age

How to be a Respectful Parent to Your Child (At Whatever Age)
by Carolyn McFann

Looks aren't everything. Care about inner beauty above all, that is what is most important.

Don't inforce YOUR values and beliefs as THE only way (no forcing people to think like you).

Don't interrupt, make fun of or belittle your offspring for having other views on things.

Be respectful of who your child is as a person. Let them be who they are, not what you want them to be.

Don't interrupt your son or daughter when they talk and disregard what they are saying.

Be calm and rational, not irrational, critical and aggressive.

Don't blow "hot and cold", be consistent.

Find time to praise, not just to criticize.

Don't smile when you're mad. Match your expression to your mood. Smiling when mad is creepy.

Have integrity, do what you say you are going to do.

Never make jokes at the expense of others.

Keep ego, insecurities in check. Don't make your child your therapist.

Have manners. You want your children to have them so practise what you preach.

Don't abandon your loved ones in times of emotional need. A little kindness goes a long way.

Look beyond yourself and what you want. What is in the best interest of your child matters.

Don't be so caught up in life that you can't stop to spend time with the ones you love.

Don't focus on your child's faults, focus on what his or her strengths are.

Don't badmouth your child to other people. Don't badmouth other people either. Don't teach your child to be disrespectful of others by example.

Don't scare and/or intimidate your child to get the upper hand. It is damaging psychologically. Just don't do it. Being a bully is wrong.

Who cares who is right or wrong. Don't argue it. Agree to disagree when you can't see eye to eye.

Never use your child as a scapegoat for your problems. It's a cowardly thing to do. Hire a therapist and work your issues out instead of beating up on the ones you love.