I asked my 16-year-old daughter What one thing that she loves the most about her family?
While she was thinking…
This was going on in my mind.
We love each other a lot.
We are so connected.
We are so much fun
We support each other etc.
This is what she said.
I love the fact that our family is so democratic.
What?
Can you elaborate please!
“I have a say in my house.”
You guys always ask my opinion and respect that too.
Many times when you are wrong and I am right, you accept that.
When I am not convinced for something you want me to do, you don’t say just do it because I said so (like some of my friend’s parents do).
Do you know many parents don’t even give a good enough reason for things they want their children to do.
But you and papa are not like that.
I know Me and my opinion matters to you 🙂
Wow! I did not expect that. Though I was quite surprised by her answer, that was true.
But I’d never realised how important it is for a child to feel that their opinion matters to their family and is respected.
I know respect is as important to a little child, preteen and teen as to an adult. And plays a huge role in building their self-respect and self-esteem too.
Pay attention if your words, tone, loudness and body gestures show respect or disrespect to your child.
Also if your children show disrespectful behaviour that’s a sign that they are watching others doing the same to someone; whether other family members, helpers or maids.
Children learn what they live.
This blog was first published on Momspresso here.
Try asking your child what they love the most about their family, you might get surprised by their answer too 🙂