Disrespect is part of today’s world. In addition, disrespectful words are especially part of a student’s and child’s mannerisms. They roll their eyes, stomp away or pretend not to hear. What’s worse, they disregard rules, call names, bully and display physical aggression.
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Some childen have the need to challenge authority. This is their method to have power and be in control. Sometimes, they have so little control of their lives that they look to find power by disrespecting others.
For the past several years, a change in children’s behavior is noticeable. They lack respect due to permissiveness in adults. Also, permission to act with disrespect comes from the media. The media encourages disrespect through comedy. In addition to permissiveness and the media, limits cause frustration to children. Therefore, they choose to test the limits. Disrespectfull actions get reactions from adults and gives attention to children. As they feel they get treated unfairly, children become disrespectful.
Dealing With Disrespect
Some people feel they should ignore disrespectful behavior. However, others feel as they refuse to recognize the action or comment, it permits the child to get away with the behavior. Still, it is an effective negative consequence. As adults ignore a minor disrespectful action, they avoid a confrontation. Thus, the child or student does not avoid the task at hand.
As children show disrespect often, parents and teachers must investigate the purpose. Modeling in the home environment is possibly the root of the problem. They have not been taught proper respectable actions with others. As teachers and parents act with anger toward the child or student, it warrants more disrespect. Therefore, the anger turns into an arguement. In addition, anger reinforces the home life. A response of kindness demonstrates an acceptable behavior.
If a child continues to show disrespect, there may be a much deeper problem than attention or limitation. A counselor needs to be brought into the picture. Or, there may be a condition called Oppositional Defiance Disorder.
All childrn show signs of disrespect. However, if it continues to grow, action by an adult needs taken. It is important that teachers and parents model respectful behavior and show kindness and understanding.
