Families and ...
Respect
Families
and Respect—
Additional Resources
The concept of respect is simple—but it's not easy. Respect involves feeling good enough about yourself to feel good about somebody else...their feelings, their importance, and their opinions.
Each of us is so very different from one another. It's not just our color, religion or where we live. It's about all our past experiences, what we need, and our goals.
Our differences sometimes lead to conflict. If we value each other and stay away from the idea that being different is wrong, then everybody wins. Respect is not something that just happens. It takes practice.
When respect starts in the family with kindness, understanding and reaching out by listening, it really becomes a very positive habit. When parents and children respect and appreciate themselves and each other, it automatically spreads outside the home...into schools, workplaces and neighborhoods. Even when we try not to, sometimes we get our feelings hurt.
The next time a problem comes along, remember that practicing respect involves making mistakes, enjoying successes, accepting our part, and creating a new cycle of respect each time.
Reading, Watching and Listening List
Consult your local library to find these resources:
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Learning the Value of Respect by Elaine Goley
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Respect by Beverly Siday
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Roots & Wings by Stacy York
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Winning Family by Louise Hart
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Raising the Rainbow Generation by Darlene Powell Hopson, Derek S. Hopson & Thomas Calvin
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Just a Kid Like Me (videotape)
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Let's Talk: First Steps to Conversation (videotape)
Family Works in Action
Here are some strategies to keep in mind to show respect while building stronger families:
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We believe that we are all special people.
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What we think, feel and need are important to us as individuals and as family members.
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We treat others kindly, even if they are different.
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We show we care by listening with our whole body.
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We show we are by what we say.
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We are concerned about each other's feelings.
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We think of many ways to solve a problem.
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We choose a solution we all can accept.
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We like to try new things.
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