There was a time when a child never referred to an adult by their first name. It was always Miss Mary or Mr. John or Aunt Susan or Uncle Steve. Even adults would call senior adults with a Miss or Mr.  It was a sign of respect to your elders. An indication you are acknowledging their age, experience, and wisdom by honoring them with a title before their name.

Let’s fast forward to present day where very rarely do we see this type of respect. Now it is more common to hear a child refer to their parents by their first names. Forget about adding a Miss or Mr. to a senior adult! What is going on? Have we been so consumed with being our child’s friend that we have missed the mark with instilling in our children how to be respectful to grownups? When was it more important to have our child like us over teaching our children the basics of respect? Parents – you don’t get off so easy because this street goes both ways. I have heard a father refer to his children as “little devils”. Moms have called their daughters names like Sybil (term used for multiple personality disorder) or worse. Teachers are referring to their pupils as “monsters”. No wonder our children have no idea about respect!

So what can a parent do? It is never too late to correct learned behavior. It may take some time but with repetition and patience it can be done. Proverbs 22:6 states {NLT},” Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Start explaining to your child the importance of honoring their elders. As parents we have to watch our words when speaking to and about our children. Do you really believe your child is a devil? Then stop calling him that! Call that child by his given name or if you are looking for a term of endearment let’s start with my little prince or princess. See the difference? With your guidance and discipline our children will understand the importance of respecting our elders and in turn respecting one another.

With love,

Miss Nish