Address your teacher by his or her name. For example, if your teacher goes by Mrs. Smith, then address her this way. Never use her first name or just call her “Smith” or “teacher. ” Listen when your teacher is talking. Make sure that you are facing your teacher and making eye contact with her. You can also nod your head now and then to show that you understand what she is saying. Don’t look away or try to occupy yourself with something else when your teacher is talking. It is important that you hear what she is saying so that you will know what you are supposed to do. Raise your hand to ask questions. It is okay if you do not understand something, but you should always make sure that you raise your hand before you ask a question. Raise your hand and wait patiently until your teacher calls on you to ask your question. Stay on task. If your teacher has asked everyone in your class (or you in particular) to work on something, then make sure that you are doing what she asked. Choosing to do something else when you teacher has given you specific instructions is disrespectful. Be polite. As in most situations, remembering your manners around your teacher is a good way to show respect, such as by saying “please” and “thank you. ”
Do your chores. You probably have some household tasks that your parents expect you to do on a regular basis. Doing these chores without being asked first is a good way to show respect to your parents. For example, if it is your job to set the table before dinner, then make sure that you do so each night before your mom or dad asks you to. Listen. Your parents may feel disrespected if you do not pay attention to them when they are talking, so it is important to be a good listener. Make sure that you look your parents in the eye when they are talking and nod your head to show that you hear and understand. Use polite language. Say “please” and “thank you” to your parents to show respect. Never swear, make demands, or give your parents the silent treatment. If you are frustrated about something, then use an “I” statement to express how you feel. For example, you might say, “I feel angry because I can’t go to the mall with my friends this weekend. ” Follow the rules. Respecting your parents also means respecting their rules. You can show respect for your parents’ rules by following them. For example, if your parents have a rule that you cannot watch TV until your homework is done, then do your homework before you turn on the TV. Remember special holidays. Your parents have birthdays just like you do and they will appreciate it if you remember their birthdays. It is also important to remember to do something for your parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Even giving your parents handmade cards on these special occasions will show that you thought of them and that you respect them.
Allow your friends to have their own opinions and beliefs. Part of respecting people is respecting their right to maintain their own opinions and beliefs and not imposing your opinions and beliefs on them. If you disagree with your friends about something, that is okay. For example, if you have a friend who is a big fan of a band that you think is dumb, it would be disrespectful for you to tease your friend for this. Instead, just recognize that you and your friend have lots in common, but this is something you don’t see eye-to-eye on. Don’t gossip about your friends. You can also disrespect your friends if you speak ill of them when you are not with them. That is why it is important to avoid gossiping about your friends when they are not around. If someone starts gossiping about a friend, don’t engage in it. You can simply walk away, or say something like, “I don’t think we should be having this conversation. It seems disrespectful. ” Ask your friends before you make plans. Making plans without your friends’ knowledge may also cause them to think you are disrespectful. Always ask your friends for input on what they would like to do before you make plans. For example, if you want to go to see a new movie, then call up your friend and say something like, “Hey, I really want to see this movie. Would you be into that?”
Don’t break rules. Observe the rules wherever you go. For example, if you are at a public pool and there is a sign that says “No running,” then don’t run. Avoid cursing or other rude language. Don’t swear at people or insult them if they upset you. Instead, express how you are feeling. You might say something like, “I am really frustrated right now because I think this rule is unfair. ” Say “please” and “thank you. ” Always use “please” and “thank you” to show that you are polite and that you appreciate the ways that people help you. Make eye contact. If an adult is speaking to you, then don’t look away or look down. Look him or her in the eye to show you are paying attention. Be helpful. [2] X Research source For example, if your friend’s mom has invited you to stay for dinner, then you might offer to help by setting the table or doing something else that would help her out.
Allow them to be silly. Young people might sometimes get on your nerves because they have a different sense of humor than you do, but you should not get upset with them for that. Just remind yourself that you were probably pretty silly at that age too. If you are annoyed, then go into another room for a while. Don’t shame them for not knowing the things that you do. People learn as they grow, so the younger you are, the less you know. Don’t make fun of young kids for not knowing the things that you do. Instead, try explaining things in ways they can understand. For example, if your little sister is confused about how to add and subtract, then you could show her by using grapes or orange slices. Show her how taking four grapes away from a pile of 10 grapes leaves only six grapes. Help them when they need help. Young kids cannot do the same things that you can do. They are smaller and they have less control over their muscles. If you notice a young child struggling with something, don’t poke fun at him or her, help the child out. For example, if your little brother is trying to reach something on a high shelf, offer to get it down for him. Encourage them. [3] X Research source Saying something nice is a good way to respect anyone, but young kids may need it even more sometimes. For example, if your little sister gets an A on her math test, give her a high five and tell her you are proud of her.
Take some time to identify the types of behaviors that you consider respectful. You could even make a list of behaviors that you consider respectful. For example, you might include in your list of respectful behaviors, addressing people by their preferred names, not raising your voice in anger, and being willing to listen when people share an opinion that differs from your own opinion.
For example, someone who is respectful of others does not yell, resort to name-calling, or use passive-aggressive language. Instead, she may always use an even, yet firm speaking voice, address people by their preferred name, and use assertive statements to express herself. Consider modeling your behavior after a teacher, parent, or older sibling who behaves respectfully.
For example, if you are upset with a friend because he has said he is against gay marriage, take a moment to consider why he might have this belief. Is it possible that he was raised in a conservative environment where being gay is discouraged? If so, then this might help you to be respectful of him even though you disagree with his beliefs. Or, if you are upset because your parents won’t let you stay out past your usual curfew to attend a concert, then you might benefit from considering their perspective. You might conclude that your parents love you and want to protect you from potentially dangerous situations. Although you might still disagree with their decision, understanding their perspective should help you to be respectful if their decision.
Allowing a breath and pause after the other person finishes speaking before you respond. [6] X Research source Making eye contact and facing the person who is speaking. Making neutral statements to demonstrate that you are listening, such as “Yes,” “Go on,” and “I see. ”
For example, you may not agree with a classmate about how to approach a presentation, but be willing to listen to her perspective before you provide your perspective.
For example, if you are always interrupting a friend when she talks, then she may do the same when you talk. However, if you always listen until your friend has finished speaking, then you will be teaching your friend to do the same when you are speaking. It also makes you a better friend and they will realize that.
For example, if someone calls you a hurtful name, then it is normal to feel angry. However, you do not need to retaliate by calling the other person a name. Instead, you might respond by saying something like, “It makes me angry when you call me that name. Please don’t do that again. ”
For example, if a friend voices an opinion on politics that you disagree with, don’t say “Too bad some people are so ignorant about politics. ” Instead, say something like, “I respectfully disagree, and here’s why…” Or just start a new topic.
You have the right to just get up and walk away, but if you are worried about seeming rude, then you can always excuse yourself by saying something like, “Sorry, but I have to go. Have a nice day. ”
Try saying something like, “I am sorry for what I said earlier. You have the right to your opinion and I should not have ridiculed you for what you believe. ”
