11 Ways to Show Respect to Your Child

“Children are human beings to whom respect is due, superior to us by reason of their innocence and of the greater possibilities of their future.” ~ Maria Montessori

Anyone who has experience with Montessori education knows that there’s something different about the “Montessori Way.” Montessori education is more than just academics. There is a social aspect to the Montessori classroom that is just as important. Our children learn to be respectful and kind, get along with each other, and be a part of a community.

Whether at school or at home, there are several ways to help your child learn respect and feel respected:

1. Talk to your child like the grownup you want them to become. In their early years, baby talk is fine. But once your child is no longer a toddler, it’s a good idea to leave some of the baby talk behind. Speaking with them like adults helps boost their confidence and improve their morale.

2. Listen to your child. It may seem obvious, but in their efforts to guide their children, many parents forget to listen. Your child can provide valuable feedback about what they are feeling, which can further help you, as a parent, make better decisions about their wellbeing.

3. Don’t interrupt. Let your child finish the project they are working on or the game they are playing without interruptions. Allow them to speak and finish their thought, even if it takes awhile. Notice when they are concentrating and let them complete a task before you switch their attention to another activity.

4. Offer your child a meaningful role. Children thrive when they belong—at school, at home, and in their activities. Think of them as partners in an enterprise, rather than employees. Instead of giving orders and making demands, start by asking for their help. Of course, in the end, you are still the boss, but when children feel like valued members of a team, they are much more likely to embrace their responsibilities, both in the classroom and at home.

5. Don’t laugh, offer praise. When your child makes mistakes – which they certainly will – be patient and encourage them. Let them discover their own mistakes rather than pointing them out. Those may be silly mistakes, but try not to respond with laughter — it can damage self-esteem and discourage them from participating. Instead, observe your child without judgement and encourage them to try, try, try again.

6. Demonstrate trust. One of the best ways to show respect for children is to show you trust them. Often that means giving them the freedom to make their own decisions and follow through with their own attempts. For example, instead of cleaning up their spilled milk or picking up their toys or clothes, try letting them know you trust them to do it by themselves. The more they do things independently, the more they will learn, and the more they will grow.

7. Give them space. Want to know how to prove to your child that you trust them? Give them a sense of privacy. Knock before entering their room and avoid talking about your child in front of other adults. This can be embarrassing for them and foster a sense of betrayal.

8. Respect their feelings. If a child looks sad, don’t dismiss their emotions by saying things such as “don’t be sad.” Instead, say: “I see you feel sad,” ask them why, and let them know that it is okay.

9. Teach them gratitude. Teaching gratitude to children helps circumvent harmful emotions like resentment, regret, and envy. It nurtures love, compassion, and a stronger sense of self-worth, while also deepening their connections with others. The best way to teach gratitude is to model it yourself. Let your child see you expressing thanks and appreciating life’s small blessings every day.

10. Explain your decisions. When your child asks for something, resist a simple yes or no. Explain the reason behind your answer. This will help build trust and reduce power struggles. Keep it age-appropriate and ask for their input. For example, instead of saying no to more screen time, say: “Your eyes and brain need a break. Let’s play a board game instead or go to the park. What would you like to do?”

11. Apologize when you are wrong. We all make mistakes. When you do, own up to it and apologize to your child. This not only teaches your child the importance of taking responsibility, but also shows you respect their feelings enough to admit when you are wrong.

One of the most important differences between Montessori and traditional education is the freedom students have to structure their own lessons and work at their own pace. Underpinning that concept of freedom is the profound respect for the individual child that Montessori educators show their students every day to nurture curiosity, independence, and a lifelong love of learning.

In her educational philosophy, Dr. Maria Montessori saw the need to treat a child with dignity and respect. At La Prima Casa Montessori, we follow Dr. Montessori’s philosophy by creating a respectful environment where your child can flourish academically while growing as a person.

Reviewed and edited by La Prima Casa
08/15/2025