PART 1

Hello Parents,

As Christian parents, one of our goals is to raise children who look different than the world—to stand out in this dark culture and behave in a way that honors God. But it’s tough! The world is a dark place, and kids are surrounded by many things that influence them otherwise. Your work is cut out for you.

We are here to help. This month’s Partnering with Parents video is about manners, politeness and respect. Let’s focus on one of those characteristics today: respect. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines respect as, “high or special regard,” or “an act of giving particular attention or consideration.” Basically, when we teach our children to respect others, we are teaching them to consider them as esteemed or important.

The apostle Paul said, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” in Philippians 2:3. The best model we have for one who respected others by valuing them more than Himself is Jesus—who went to the cross for us.

As a parent, it’s your job to teach respect to your kids when they are young. Here is a fun idea for how to help your child understand what respect “looks” like. Create a chart titled “What Respect Looks Like.” Divide it up into two columns, and then break the columns up into four rows. Label each box in the first column: in the classroom, on the playground, at home, and in my community.

Then, brainstorm what respect looks like for each of those places. Here are some examples:

• In the classroom – Sitting still, raising my hand before speaking, following rules, being nice, listening to the teacher and other students, cleaning up after myself
• On the playground – Being helpful, playing fair, playing by the rules, not being a bully, being aware of the little ones, listening to the playground monitor
• At home – Listening to my parents or family members who are older, doing chores, keeping my room clean, taking care of my pets, obeying my parents, talking quietly
• In my community – Not littering, obeying authority, keeping the front yard clean, saying hello to neighbors, thanking policemen and firemen

This is just one of many ways to teach respect. When you witness your child respecting you and others, make sure to acknowledge that you took notice. It will build them up and reinforce what respect “looks” like.

We are praying for you and trusting God is meeting you each day as you strive to “train up [your] child in the way he should go” (Psalm 22:6). 

Please check out this month's video below:

Partnering with you,

The NAC USA Family Ministry Team

PART 2

Hello Parents and Families,

Children are a work in progress. Their behavior at two years old will be completely different at four. And their behavior at seven years old is light years away from where they will be at twelve! They must learn what is appropriate behavior . . . and what isn’t. It’s not something they will inherently know.

We are talking about manners, politeness, and respect in this month’s Partnering with Parents video. The best advice I can give you for teaching your child manners, politeness, and respect is to model it yourself. Show your child what unselfish, polite, and respectful living looks like. Treat others with kindness, share what you have, be generous, honor guests in the home, open doors for others, and speak well of people. Above all, love others because God loves you. When you live a life of integrity yourself, you will be worthy of your child’s respect.

Then, when you work on the details of helping your child act out these character qualities in real life, it will be from a solid foundation. Teach your kids that all people have value because they matter to God. Every man, woman, and child regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, or cultural background is made in God’s image. God loves all people, and thus, so should we. If every person has value to God, then they should be treated as such.

But there are practical ways to teach your kids manners, politeness, and respect. Teach kids to address adults with titles and last names. Teach them to stand when introduced to an adult, and to respond when an adult speaks to them and look them in the eye. Teach your child that you offer their seat up to an adult—and especially to pregnant women! When they make a mistake, teach them to apologize quickly and ask for forgiveness if necessary. Teach them not to use disrespectful words or a rude tone when speaking to others. Listen, never demean or embarrass another human being, and don’t damage other people’s material possessions.

Press on in your work in parenting, and never give up in the quest to teach your kids manners, politeness, and respect. It will go well with them if you do!

Our prayer for you is that you do not feel alone in your parenting. We are available if you have questions or need support as you continue on this journey of parenting—a high calling from God!

Standing firm with you,

The NAC USA Family Ministry Team