PW invited parents of Birla High School, Mukundapur, and Moira Street campuses, Kolkata to share their insights on how they teach their children the virtue of respect

“We believe respect cannot simply be taught; children absorb it from the environment they grow up in. Therefore, we strive to lead by example and nurture five important values in our son, Atish (class XII). First, respect for all, regardless of social status, is essential. We address our domestic staff as “dada” or “didi,” rather than by name. Second, we encourage respect for elders, while reminding him that important life decisions ultimately remain his responsibility. Third, we stress value over price: an object’s worth should not be judged by cost or used to impress others. Fourth, we discourage entitlement, encouraging gratitude for privileges and the dignity of earning independently. Finally, we stress anger management, as hurtful words, once spoken, cannot be taken back” — Dr. Asha Rani Bhol, RN Tagore Hospital

“Respect is best taught through everyday actions. Children learn by observing how adults behave, particularly in moments of frustration and disagreement. I try to lead by example by listening attentively, speaking politely, and treating everyone with kindness and dignity. At home, we encourage open and honest conversations where everyone is heard. This helps our young daughter Amaira (class I) understand that while her feelings are important, she must also respect the feelings and opinions of others. We believe mistakes should be treated as opportunities to learn rather than inviting criticism and punishment.” — Akriti Khanna, teacher, Birla High School, Mukundapur

“I teach my son Divyanshu (class VIII) that politeness, kindness and respect should be extended to all, regardless of social status. I believe children learn these values best when they experience them at home. Therefore, I make it a point to listen to him patiently and encourage him to express himself openly. When children feel heard and respected, they are more likely to listen to and respect others. I also remind Divyanshu that raising his voice or using rude words can affect others deeply, and that disagreements should always be handled calmly. Above all, I emphasise the importance of always speaking the truth, even in difficult circumstances, and to have the courage to acknowledge and learn from mistakes” — Arpita Sharma, freelancer

“Through our actions and daily interactions, we strive to instil respect in our son, Aarav (class X). We encourage him to be polite, listen attentively, appreciate diverse opinions, and treat everyone with kindness and empathy. We also emphasise gratitude, respectful language, and taking responsibility for words and actions. We believe children learn best by observing those around them, so we consciously lead by example and practise the values we expect from him. Open communication and gentle reminders reinforce these lessons in everyday situations. Through consistent guidance and encouragement, we hope Aarav grows into a compassionate, humble, considerate, and respectful individual” — Alpana Gupta, homemaker