PW invited parents of Greenwood High, Bengaluru to share insights on how they teach their children to be respectful of adults and other children

“Our son Nalan (KG I) is allowed to choose any set of clothes he wishes to wear, bedtime stories he chooses to read, among other decisions. Moreover we insist on using the phrases “please” and “thank you” with Nalan, whenever he helps with chores around the house. While playing with his friends, Nalan now does the same. Children are observant of our behaviour. When we respect members of our family and community regardless of status, age and gender, our children tend to follow the example” — Thenkani Thenamuthan, Director, Karnataka News Publication Pvt. Ltd, Bengaluru

“From youngest age, we have made a conscious effort to help our son Jonathan (class III) grow up into a respectful human being. The best way to teach him was by being his role model and demonstrate through words and actions such as greeting Good Morning/Evening, Thank You, displaying calm in anxious situations, and being a respectful listener. What makes us proud is that Jonathan has displayed maturity beyond his years and treats everyone — young and old — with utmost respect and dignity” — Ravali Mariam Verghese, Lead Software Engineer, Wells Fargo, Bengaluru

“As parents of twins Anika and Advik (class IV), we try to demonstrate the same behaviour we expect of them and have since become their role models. Children are very impressionable and tend to mimic their parents. Therefore, using the golden words “Thank You”, “Your’re welcome” and “Please” with politeness in our conversations with grown-ups and children is absolutely essential, Moreover during a conflict, we avoid being judgemental by putting ourselves in our children’s shoes to resolve crises” — Shailaja Kamila, Technical Director, Netapp India Pvt. Ltd

“Our nine-year-old son Zavian’s respectful behaviour towards adults comes from observing us. If we touch the feet of our elders, he follows suit. However, developing respect within the peer group demanded some well-thought out strategies — when 10-minute time outs did not work, we tried something else and finally, in the past one year, we have seen positive reaffirmations are working wonders in inculcating tolerant behaviour and respectfulness” — Shuchi Nijhawan, Chief HR Officer, Eka Software, Bengaluru