Teenagers of Today: Lack in Respect in Teens

Respect is a courteous consideration for another person. One can not demand respect, you must earn it. How do you earn it? Have you ever heard the expression 'lead by example'? This is one way to teach respect to your teen. Whoa! I'm getting ahead of myself. We can't teach this to them as a teen, it starts when they are small children. Yes, that's right. It has had to be a constant in a child's life. Even then, sometimes you have to reinforce with your teen the true meaning of respect. I seem to fight this battle daily with my teenager.

It is more difficult today to teach core values because of the influences of music, media, and the Internet in your teens life. For example, sitcoms teach them put downs are cool and funny. Then, the commercials between the shows. These commercials fuel their appetite of being self-centered. It draws them into the what they want. In a sense you are dealing with a society which teaches cruel behavior and selfishness. If you ever listen to the conversations of children today, you will find they are very cruel compared to the times in which we grew up. Whether you are at the mall, the movies, a school, a game or some other function, in which they interact, you will hear just how cruel some of them can be. Let me give you another example of cruel behavior and lack of respect. I was picking my son up from high school. We were waiting on the road beside the school for traffic coming out of the parking lot. I looked up and saw an SUV coming faster than it should, considering it was in a school zone. At the same time, a young man was crossing the road at an angle. He was still approximately 3 or 4 feet from the sidewalk. The driver of the vehicle, a high school student, laid on the horn and swerved left of center into my lane. This is a true example of the lack of respect, and consideration of others some teens are exhibiting today..

One can only hope the core values you have taught your child will shine through. Values are desirable principles in one's character in which society considers worthwhile. Values include such essentials as friendliness, courage, and morals. Morals are the judgement of values. Values lead to good moral fiber and with good moral fiber comes successful relationships. Successful relationships come from learning how to treat people with respect and earning respect. This allows them to contribute positively, take responsibility for their actions, and makes for generally happier teens and adults. Respect is the key to successful relationships. Just remember, when interacting with your teen, you have to give respect in order to get respect.