Respecting a child does not mean terating him or her as a very small adult. Respect means recognizing his or her limits while creating an environment that meets a child’s needs.

One of the most important needs is to complete on his or her own tasks that are difficult but not impossible. Allow him or her to work at her own pace rathr than rushing the child to finish. Show trust that he or she can finish the task. Slow and deliberate effort is precisely the way in which children learn and grow.

Equally importantly, children need strong role models from which to learn and on which they will base their own behavior. It is essential to model the kinds of attitudes and behaviors you expect of your child.

That means using proper language, putting things away consistently and showinggood table manners. It is essential to both talk the talk and to walk the walk.