3. Check
When I pick my son up from anything, I always ask how it went. That’s the essence of loving, respectful parenting. Whether it’s a grandparent’s house, daycare, or church, I check on him. I want him to know that I care and that he can tell me things.
Yes, I want my son growing up knowing that I’m going to discipline him. But he also needs to know that I’m interested in him and in what he’s doing. I care. My son needs to know that I care, and I need to be sure I hear all about what he cares about.
OK, those are my three steps to respectful parenting. What would you add?
This article originally appeared here.
