This is a very powerful quote from the great evangelist Billy Graham about disrespectful children. We have all seen them in public – children who are disrespectful to their parents. But, let’s look inside our own homes for a minute. What do you allow your children to say or do to you as a parent? Do you make excuses for your children’s behavior?
What type of action is disrespectful? It may vary, depending on the parents’ own beliefs, but typically, name-calling, yelling, cursing, and talking back are universally deemed disrespectful. Turning and walking away, slamming doors, hanging up the phone – these also are disrespectful actions.
What do you do when your children act disrespectfully? It is important to stop the action immediately and invoke age appropriate discipline, which can include losing privileges to play video games or going out with friends. Also, be observant and catch your children acting respectfully. Let them know that their respectful behavior has been noticed and is applauded. Some parents believe, however, that children should be “free” to express themselves. In my opinion, that’s when trouble begins. If your children are allowed to be “free” to express themselves at home, and are abusive, they will continue to act the same way outside the home.