Teaching Respect – Easier Said Than Done?

Teaching children respect! It sounds so simple! Before I had kids, I was SO judgmental of people I saw with little kids who were just out of control! You know who I’m talking about…Parents sitting in restaurants completely oblivious to their screaming messy kids. Totally in the dark about the hateful looks being directed their way, or even worse the awful kid throwing a monster tantrum in a store or on the sidewalk with the helpless Mom or Dad embarrassed or confused and completely whipped! I, in my most critical way, thought “What’s with no one teaching kids respect these days?” or “Why is that Mother so weak?” or no doubt the most ridiculous ” Someone needs to give that woman a book on “Manners for Children”!
Yes, I admit it, I was self righteous  and very opinionated, but of course I got my reality check with the birth of my first child, and then the wind knocked right out of me with the arrival of my second! I deserved it I guess! I figure this probably happens a lot when those without kids start judging those who do…Well now I’m smack dab in the middle of it and it is a daily challenge. I read books, watch parenting shows, and I’m always on the lookout for new ideas. It helps to write.