Written by: JR Robinson

Every Friday, LifeWise Shelby County-TN is excited to bring you “Growing Greatness”-a weekly series designed just for parents and grandparents who want to raise #BeAmazing kids! Each week, we’ll focus on a core value that helps children grow into people of character, starting today with one of the most important: Respect.

Why Respect Matters

Respect is the foundation of healthy relationships and strong communities. When we teach children to honor others-at home, at school, and in the neighborhood-we help them build empathy, self-control, and a sense of belonging. The Bible reminds us:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
-Exodus 20:12

Respect is more than just good manners. It’s about seeing the value in every person, including ourselves, because we are all made in the image of God. When children learn to respect others, they also learn to respect themselves and the world around them.

How to Teach Respect at Every Age

For Young Children (Ages 3–7):

• Model It: Let your child see you speak kindly to others, say “please” and “thank you,” and listen when someone else is talking.
• Practice Together: Role-play scenarios-like sharing toys or waiting their turn-to show what respect looks like.
• Praise Respectful Choices: Catch your child being respectful and let them know you noticed (“I love how you waited patiently for your turn!”).

For Elementary Kids (Ages 8–12):

• Talk About Feelings: Help them understand how their words and actions affect others. Ask, “How would you feel if someone said that to you?”
• Set Clear Expectations: Explain why rules like listening to teachers or helping at home matter.
• Encourage Empathy: Read stories or watch movies together and discuss how characters show respect (or don’t).

For Teens (Ages 13+):

• Discuss Real-Life Situations: Talk openly about respect in friendships, online interactions, and with authority figures.
• Model Mutual Respect: Show your teen that their opinions matter by listening and having honest conversations.
• Connect to Faith: Encourage them to explore what the Bible says about honoring others, including:
  “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the King.”
  -1 Peter 2:17

Spread Respect Across Our City

Share this article every Friday with friends, family, and your church community. Use your voice and your social media to encourage others to join the #BeAmazing movement. Together, we can create a ripple effect of respect that transforms our homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

Let’s grow greatness together-one respectful child, one amazing family, one transformed city at a time!

Look for next week’s article on Honesty: Coming Friday!