End Disrespect

According to Merriam Webster’s, one meaning of “disrespect” is to show low regard or low esteem. Therefore, when a child disregards his parents’ wishes, he shows that he disrespects those wishes. It’s as if he is saying, “I don’t care that you want me to go to bed now. I’m not going!”

Now if a child actually spoke such words out loud to his parents, he’d be doing more than disrespecting their wishes; he’d be disrespecting them. When a child speaks rudely to his parents or attacks them physically, the child is demonstrating that he doesn’t hold his parents in high esteem. Unfortunately, this attitude is pretty prevalent among children — especially when they’re feeling frustrated.

Rewarding Rudeness

“Can I stay up a little longer to finish my book?”

“No, honey. You have to be up early in the morning. You can finish it tomorrow.” “Grrrrrrrr… you’re so mean! I hate you! I’m not going to sleep tonight — you can’t make me!” Kick, kick, throw, toss… etc.