How to Foster Respect and Empathy in Children

Respect underpins empathy, which compels action. In a world that's rapidly changing and increasingly interconnected, respect and empathy are more important than ever for making positive change in the world.

So how can we foster respect in our children? 

1. Give children space to figure out who they are. One of the best things you can do is to provide ample time and opportunities for your child to figure out who they are before the world tells them who they should be. In a fast-paced world where we are constantly being bombarded with information, slowing down will give them the time to be familiar with their inner voice. Making time to talk your child through their feelings and experiences empowers them with the permission and tools to build respect for their individuality.  
2. Encourage turn-taking. Instead of forcing your child to share, instil turn taking with siblings and friends. By allowing your child to respect their space and time through turn-taking, they learn what respect looks like. If they can grasp what respect looks like for themself, they can more easily apply it to others. A simple way to foster respect through turn-taking is to only offer one of each activity in the play space. If a sibling or friend wants to play, having one of each item provides opportunities to build skills in turn taking and inclusiveness. 
3. Expose children to different cultures, people and customs. You can expose your child to diversity through food and travel but perhaps the best example I've come across is parents who enrolled their child into a distantly neighbouring soccer club instead of the one closest to them. This is such a brilliant way of giving your child opportunities to actually work and become friends with others from diverse backgrounds, rather than just being an observer. You can help your child gain insight, understanding, acceptance, and appreciation for all the differences that make up our world. This both equips them for their future careers and builds a deep foundation for creating positive change.
4. Expose children to nature. In today's world, it's easy to grow up believing we are separate from nature when we are in fact, a part of nature. When children are allowed to explore the natural world, they develop a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things. They gain an understanding of their role in the world and how their action or inaction impacts the world around them. Take for example, the difference it makes to water or not water a plant. Exposing your child to nature helps them develop a sense of stewardship towards the environment, which is more important now than ever.
5. Foster a respect for belongings: Small steps matter. Whether it's being more conscious to recycle or buy less plastic, your choices matter. And when you explain your choices to your child, it has a snowball effect for the future when they continue to follow your lead. Choose to provide your family with beautiful, natural and joyful products they will want to take care of. 

Imagine a world where everyone has respect for themselves, for others and for the environment – a world filled with people who have healthy self-esteem, emotional intelligence, compassion and a sense of environmental stewardship. That’s a world I want my children to be a part of.