Why is it that children of today, and I don’t mean all children, but to me it’s an ever growing bigger percentage of children appear to lack respect for anybody or anything in life. Who’s fault is it that children are like this? Well, in my opinion it’s us as parents. We have gradually taught our children to be selfish and not care what people think of them as long as they get their own way at all costs. This is a sad consequence of the 21st century.
I truly believe because you are of the elder generation respect is not yours by right because respect is a two way street and if we want our children to respect people of all ages we must first realise that their opinions and thoughts should be respected. Just because they are children doesn’t mean that opinions have any less importance. But we so often dismiss them and believe that children can’t have a valid points about life. Which is of course is total nonsense.
Our society is today one of I want it and I want it now. In fact I will have it now. Respect for just about anything has disappeared.
Money is a great example. If we can afford it, and I know we have showered our children with money in the past. If our children ask for money we just give it, we make little attempt to encourage them to earn the money. So often it’s to shut them up and get them out of your hair. Yes there you go, go to the cinema or ten pin bowling, just don’t bother me, I’m busy. I bet we have all thought that when it comes to our teenage children.
When I was growing up I had to have a part-time job, paper rounds etc, without them I would never of had anything, because my mum couldn’t afford it. Children today just seem to ask and we say yes without hesitation. This is fundamentally wrong as it’s not teaching our children any respect of money or that they have to earn it.
Respect is a learnt behaviour from your parents I believe, and as this generation of children are growing we are not teaching them to respect anything, because we are no better than them with an attitude of I want it and I want it now and our children are watching and learning this behaviour.
Many years ago I was taught to treat people the way you want to be treated. Speak to people the way you want to be spoken too. I know deep down I have not passed this onto my children. Why’s that? Because society has changed to a point where it vaguely resembles anything I remember growing up. It’s a dog eat dog society now and I don’t think it’s a good thing.
Our children will only respect people for their choices, or respect different races or religions, or the elder generation if we show the way by respecting others ourselves.
Do you think children lack respect in all parts of everyday life? I would love to know what you think.
