Respect is the foundation of all healthy relationships and social harmony. It is about seeing the inherent worth and dignity of every person, ourselves included. When we act with respect, we are showing empathy, fairness, and self-control.
According to our Educational Project, Respect allows us “to recognise, accept, appreciate and value oneself and others, including differences and qualities, and to acknowledge the rights of others, while following the norms of the community, acting with courtesy, kindness, and awareness of the impact of our actions on our surroundings.”
Respect is more than following rules or using polite words; it is the recognition that every person has value. By teaching our children to act with respect for themselves, others, and the environment, we help them grow into kind, responsible, and compassionate citizens who contribute to a more understanding and harmonious community.
Here are some ideas families can use to help children embody this essential value:
Borba, M. (2021). Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Coloroso, B. (2012). The Power of Respect: How to Help Children Develop Healthy Relationships. Toronto: HarperCollins.
Dillon, J. (2018). Teaching Respect: Values Education for the Modern Classroom. London: Routledge.
TED-Ed. (2023). How to Disagree with Respect. [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/teded
Maya Angelou (n.d.). Quotes. Retrieved from https://www.brainyquote.com
Schumann, K., et al. (2014). The Role of Mindset in Social-Emotional Learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 106(3), 784–798.