Respectful Parenting

In respectful parenting, parents aim to not exercise their parenting roles in such a way that makes their children uncomfortable. Children are considered equals instead of being treated as inferior or reliant. For example, if a child does not want to swim, it is okay to let the child do what he or she wants instead of forcing the child to swim. Respectful parenting is based on three fundamentals: communication, connection, and cooperation. Communication between parents and children enables family members to understand one another’s needs and desires. Connection focuses on the relationship between the parents and children rather than rules and expectaions. Parents trust that if they treat their children with respect, then their children will treat them with respect in return. Cooperation entails that parents and children work together to solve problems, resolve disagreements, and generally ensure that everyone’s needs are met. Respectful parents value their children’s input and respect their choices, offering appropriate guidance to achieve success.