YOUR CHILD DESERVES RESPECT!

What do we really mean by respect? Does it mean a child should always get their way? Of

course not! Yet, many young parents find themselves unsure about what respecting a child

actually looks like — and how to put it into practice.

Picture this: It’s 8:00 a.m. You’re dressed for an important meeting. Your three-year-old has

finished breakfast without a fuss — great start! You’ve laid out three outfits on her bed. You’re the thoughtful parent who values your child’s choices, so you say cheerfully, “Come on, honey. Pick your clothes and get dressed. We have to leave soon — Mummy has a very

important meeting.”

You’ve done everything right, haven’t you? But no — your daughter dislikes all three outfits.

She wants to wear the beautiful dress she wore to her friend’s birthday party last weekend.

You gently explain, “Sweetheart, that’s your party dress.” She replies, “I know, Mummy. But

Rebecca missed the party because she was sick. I want to show her my dress.”

You try again: “You can’t wear that to school. You might do some painting and play outside. We don’t want your lovely dress ruined.” She insists, “I’ll be careful! I’ll wear an apron when I paint and play a quiet game in the playground. Please, Mummy — I have to show Rebecca. She’s my best friend!” You hold your ground: “I’m sorry, darling. You can’t wear it to school.” And she digs in: “Then I’m not wearing any of those clothes!”

" I am angry and hurt"

The situation escalates — voices rise, patience slips, and before long, you’re dressing a

crying, struggling child while your phone rings with your colleague asking, “Hey, where are

you? We start in half an hour.” You whisper through clenched teeth, “Anna, I’ll call you later.”

You drive off feeling guilty, knowing this wasn’t how you wanted your morning to go.

Sound familiar? Let’s rewind. You knew about the meeting the night before. The golden rule

with children: expect the unexpected.

Imagine instead if you’d had a little “meeting” with your daughter before bedtime — giving her a chance to pick her outfit for the next day. If she had chosen the party dress then, you’d have had time and patience to explain why it wasn’t suitable. You could have promised a play date with Rebecca where she could wear it proudly. With that settled, you’d both have ended the evening happily with bedtime stories and smiles.

So, where does respect come in? Respect means involving your child in the conversation.

When you explain your plans, seek her input, and show her that her choices matter, you teach her that she is valued. She thinks, It’s an important day for Mummy, and she’s including me in it. That builds confidence and trust.

Children are naturally kind and generous. When they feel respected, they respond with

cooperation and care.

Respect doesn’t mean giving in to every demand. Boundaries are essential — children

actually crave them. Clear limits show love and safety. You are the captain of your ship;

without rules, everyone sinks. But when those rules are guided by empathy and respect, your child learns not just to obey — but to understand.