I am a firm believer in the Golden Rule and I think that it applies a lot to parenting.

Pet Peeve

One thing that can really upset me is when I hear a parent talking very disrespectfully to a child, oftentimes calling them a name or majorly insulting them.  Then, a few minutes later, when the child retaliates/reciprocates, does/says the same thing back to the parent and the parent berates the child for it.

Respect

Now, I do believe that children  need to learn that they need to respect others, especially people older than them and that sometimes you can do things when you are older that you cannot do as a child.  However, I think this should be the exception and not the rule.

Everyday

Whenever I ask my children to do something, I always try to say “Please” and when they oblige, I say “Thank you.”  (It’s pretty cute, my 18 month old will hand us something and then say “day do” (his version of thank you) because we always reply “Thank you” whenever someone hands us something!) 🙂

“Please take care of your plate.”

“Thank you for helping.”

I also will not do something that my children have requested until they say “Please.”

“Can you get me more water?” …….. (me just looking at the child) ……… “Please.”

When I need them to do something and it’s not really an option, then I will usually use a more stern voice and add “Now” in the sentence.

“Please walk in the house, now.”

“Screaming needs to stop, now.  Thank you.”