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If you want your child to respect you as they get older, say goodbye to these 7 habits
By Francesca Hangeior
There’s a clear line between earning your child’s respect and simply expecting it because you’re the parent.
This line lies in the habits we exhibit. Our kids pick up on these habits, and as they grow, they either respect us more or less because of them.
If you want your child to respect you as they get older, there are certain habits you need to let go of.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 7 of these habits that could be standing in the way of gaining your child’s respect.
1) Being overly authoritative
Maintaining discipline is crucial when raising children, but there’s a thin line between discipline and dictatorship.
Often, parents fall into the trap of establishing an overly authoritative environment. We might think it’s the best way to maintain order, but in the long run, it can lead to a lack of respect.
When children feel like their voices are not heard, they start seeing their parents as oppressors rather than mentors. Don’t get me wrong, setting boundaries is important. But it’s equally key to allow your child some autonomy. Let them make decisions and learn from their mistakes.
This way, your child will not only respect you more as they grow older, but they’ll also develop valuable life skills.
2) Not practicing what you preach
This one hit home for me. I remember how my daughter used to love drawing. One day, she drew on the wall, and I scolded her for it. Yet later that week, she saw me marking measurements on the wall for a new painting.
She was confused and asked me why I could draw on the wall and she couldn’t.
That day, I realized that children learn more from our actions than our words. It dawned on me that if I wanted her to respect the house rules, I had to abide by them too.
Letting go of this habit will not only earn you your child’s respect but also help them understand the importance of integrity and consistency. After all, we can’t expect them to respect us if we’re not respecting the rules ourselves.
3) Dismissing their interests
Did you know that by the age of three, children start developing their own interests? These interests can range from dinosaurs and princesses to even complex things like the solar system.
When parents dismiss or belittle these interests, it can be quite discouraging for a child. It sends a message that their passions aren’t important.
But if you take an active interest in what your child enjoys, you’re showing them that their thoughts and feelings matter to you. It helps them feel validated and respected.
4) Neglecting promises
Promises to a child are like law. When we keep our promises, we show them that we are reliable and trustworthy. But when we break them, even for seemingly small things, it can shake their trust in us.
Think about it, if you promised to take your child to the park over the weekend but you end up cancelling, it sends a message that your commitments aren’t important.
Keep in mind, our actions set a precedent. If we don’t honor our commitments, how can we expect our children to honor theirs?
So make a conscious effort to keep your promises, no matter how small they may seem. It’s a simple step towards building respect and trust with your child.
5) Avoiding difficult conversations
When my son first asked me about the concept of death, I was taken aback. It was a topic I was not prepared to discuss with him. I initially tried to skirt around the question, but he was persistent.
Eventually, I realized that if I didn’t discuss these difficult topics with him, someone else would. And they might not explain it in a way that’s appropriate or sensitive.
Avoiding tough conversations can create a communication gap between you and your child. They may feel that they can’t approach you with serious or sensitive issues.
By being open and honest, even when the topic is uncomfortable, you show your child that they can trust you with anything. This openness fosters respect and encourages a deeper connection with your child.
6) Always solving their problems
As parents, it’s instinctual to want to protect our children from hardship and solve problems for them. But doing this all the time can hinder their ability to learn problem-solving skills on their own.
When we jump in to fix everything, we inadvertently send the message that we don’t trust their capability to handle situations. This can impact their self-esteem and affect the respect they have for us.
Instead, guide them towards finding solutions rather than providing them outright. This not only helps them become independent thinkers but also strengthens their respect for you as they see you as a mentor rather than a fixer.
7) Not showing them respect
This is perhaps the most critical point. If you want your child to respect you as they get older, you must first show them respect.
Respect their time, their feelings, their thoughts, and their space. Teach them that respect is a two-way street.
By treating your child with the respect they deserve, you model the behavior you wish to see in return. It’s a fundamental principle of mutual respect that can transform your relationship with your child.
News
#OndoDecides2024: APC congratulates Aiyedatiwa, applauds Ondo electorate
By Francesca Hangeior
The All Progressives Congress has congratulated the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his re-election in the just-concluded governorship election.
Aiyedatiwa won the election, having polled a total of 366,781 votes across all 18 Local Government Areas of the state.
He defeated his closest rival — Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party, who got 117,845 votes.
In a statement issued by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, on Sunday, and made available to PUNCH Online, the party described Aiyedatiwa as a “clear attestation” that his administration’s policies “resonated deeply with the electorate.”
The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress (APC) heartily congratulates the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on his re-election.
“Your Excellency’s resounding victory in the just-concluded Ondo State gubernatorial election is a clear attestation that your administration’s policies and programmes and campaign message of hope and consolidation have resonated deeply with the electorate.
News
NiDCOM rescues 13 trafficked Nigerian women from Ghana
*** says 163 victims saved between July, November
By Francesca Hangeior
The Nigerian in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has successfully facilitated the rescue and repatriation of 13 trafficked Nigerian women from Ghana, bringing the total number of victims returned over the past five months to 163.
This was revealed in a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols.
The operation, executed through collaborative efforts, involved the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit, Rescue Live Foundation International, NIDO Ghana, and NiDCOM.
The latest group of rescued women, aged 19 to 30 years, hails from Ebonyi, Benue, Kaduna, and Rivers States.
It was gathered that they were lured to Ghana under false pretenses of employment but were subjected to exploitative conditions and coerced into secrecy oaths while their traffickers profited from their ordeal.
NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her gratitude to key supporters, including Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for their roles in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
She also praised Chief Callistus Elozieuwa, BOT Chairman of Rescue Live Foundation International/NIDO Ghana, and the Ghanaian Anti-Human Trafficking Police Unit for their commitment to prosecuting the traffickers.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes combating human trafficking and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, the women were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, for rehabilitation and reintegration.
NiDCOM representative Akinboye Akinsola, who accompanied the women, noted that they willingly sought assistance after learning about previous rescue efforts in Ghana’s Kpone Katamanso and Tema regions.
Chief Callistus Elozieuwa highlighted the support provided to the women in Ghana, including temporary shelter, before their return to Nigeria.
Valentine Okike Uzo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ebonyi State, commended Governor Nwifuru’s dedication to supporting indigenes both at home and abroad. He assured that measures are in place to ensure proper rehabilitation for those returning to Ebonyi State.
News
Dabiri-Erewa celebrates Chidimma’s emergence as First Runner up, Miss Universe
By Francesca Hangeior
The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigeria’s Chidimma Adetshina for emerging second at Miss Universe 2024, describing it as a reward for her doggedness and resilience.
In a congratulatory statement issued by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols of the Commission, the NIDCOM boss was excited that despite all odds, Chidimma remained focused and attained her goals.
Dabiri-Erewa said though Chidimma Adetshina as Nigeria’s representative, finished as the first runner-up at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, her courage, determination and support from Nigeria eventually paid off. She was also named Miss Africa and Oceania 2024.
Dabiri-Erewa recalled Adetshina’s controversial official withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, of which she had advanced to the final stage ,some few months back, noting that Nigeria warmly welcomed her, after being literally forced out of South Africa.
While in Nigeria, accompanied by President Silverbird group, Mr Guy Murray Bruce, Chidinma was warmly received at the NIDCOM Lagos office, and thereafter hosted to a grand reception at Idris Olorunnibe’s “The Temple,” Victoria Island ,with music legend, Dbanj in attendance.
Describing her as brilliant, focussed and determined, she urged others to emulate the spirit of Nigerianess in Chidimma by being proud of the country and not run it down under whatever guise.
The competition, described as one of the most thrilling in recent years, celebrated the talents, intelligence, and elegance of women from around the globe.
Nigeria came second behind Miss Denmark, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, who won the keenly contested crown from Miss Universe 2023, Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua.
It will be recalled that Chidimma was rejected by South Africa who expressed worries and questioned her nationality.
Due to that, Adetshina came to Nigeria to represent Taraba State and won the title of Miss Universe Nigeria.organised by the Silverbird group.
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