A Mother’s Guide To Teaching Kids Respect
If you want your children to grow into kind, empathetic, and likable adults… learning how to teach them respect is absolutely key.
Basic respect for others is a core part of being a decent human being but children don’t automatically understand what it looks like or why it matters. That’s where we come in.
In this post, I’m going to share a few effective, real-life ways to help teach your children respect whether you're starting when they’re little or circling back now that they’re a bit older. Because it’s never too late.
Step One – Model the Respect You Want to See 
There’s a reason parenting advice so often boils down to “lead by example”: because kids learn by watching.
Telling your children to respect others doesn’t mean much if you’re not modeling it yourself. And I don’t just mean strangers or people in public — I mean your spouse (even during disagreements), your children (yes, even when they’re little), and yourself.
When my girls were growing up, I always made sure they felt respected even when some of our family members didn’t agree with that approach. I wasn’t a pushover; I had boundaries and expectations. But I listened to them, acknowledged their feelings, and gave them space to express themselves. And over time, they learned to do the same with others.
Kids don’t miss much. Even the smallest interactions — the way you talk to the cashier, handle frustration, or treat your spouse can leave an impression. Respect isn’t something you teach once. It’s something they absorb from your everyday behavior.
Step Two – Address Entitlement (It’s the Enemy of Respect)
One of the biggest obstacles to raising respectful kids is entitlement. And the tricky part is, entitlement doesn’t always get labeled as disrespect it’s often just called “spoiled.”
But feeling entitled is inherently disrespectful. It shows a lack of appreciation for others’ time, effort, and generosity.
To help your child avoid entitlement, try:
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Assigning age-appropriate chores with no reward. You can certainly give allowances or bonuses sometimes, but some tasks should simply be done because they're part of contributing to the family.
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Encouraging thankfulness — not just for gifts, but for everyday things. Teach them to say “thank you” to teachers, restaurant staff, the mail carrier, and you! Gratitude builds empathy and awareness.
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Resisting the urge to give them everything they want. I know how tempting it can be (especially if you’re financially able), but fulfilling every want on demand doesn't serve them in the long run. Sometimes the best gift is not getting what they want and learning to cope with it.
Step Three – Correct Disrespect as It Happens
Even when you do your best, kids will still occasionally act disrespectfully. That’s totally normal and it’s a great opportunity to teach.
If your child speaks to you in a disrespectful tone, pause and talk it through. Ask questions. Help them understand why what they said or how they said it wasn’t okay. Once they understand the why, they’re more likely to adjust their behavior.
In some cases, natural consequences can help too. For example, if they’re being rude during a fun outing, you might head home early. Not as a harsh punishment but as a clear message that disrespect affects others and has consequences.
The key is consistency. Don’t let disrespect slide without addressing it, even gently. Because repeated behavior that goes unchecked can become a habit.
Final Thoughts on Teaching Kids Respect
Out of all the life lessons we pass on to our kids, respect is one of the most foundational. It’s what helps them form healthy relationships, navigate the world with empathy, and carry themselves with confidence and kindness.
I hope this guide gave you some helpful ideas and encouragement on your parenting journey.
And if you’re interested in more tips on parenting, running your home, or managing finances as a busy mom — I’d love for you to check out the rest of my blog!
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