Earning the respect of your children isn’t about being their best friend or the coolest parent on the block.

It’s about demonstrating habits that model integrity, kindness, and wisdom.

When you consistently exhibit these habits, you’re showing your kids how to respect others – and how to respect themselves.

If you want to be respected by your little ones, here are nine habits you should start practicing today.

Get ready to say hello to a new you and a stronger bond with your kids.

1) Consistency is key

When it comes to earning the respect of your children, consistency is everything.

Kids are observant. They see when we’re true to our word, and they notice when we’re not.

Inconsistency and unpredictability can lead to confusion and mistrust.

On the other hand, consistency in our actions and words builds trust. It’s the foundation of respect.

If you want your kids to respect you, make sure you’re acting consistently.

Say what you mean, and mean what you say. And remember – your kids are always watching.

2) Practicing empathy

I can’t overstate the importance of empathy in earning a child’s respect.

I remember when my daughter was about five. She had a meltdown because her favorite toy broke, and she was inconsolable. It would have been easy to dismiss her feelings, to tell her it was “just a toy” and she could get another one.

But instead, I got down to her level. I held her and told her I understood how sad she was. I shared a story about when I was a kid and my favorite toy broke too.

I didn’t just tell her it would be okay. I acknowledged her feelings and showed her that I understood them.

By showing empathy, not only did I help her feel better, but I also earned her respect. She knew that I would be there for her, understand her feelings, and not just brush them away because they seemed trivial to me.

Empathy shows our children that we respect their feelings, and in return, they respect us.

3) Setting healthy boundaries

Setting boundaries isn’t about being the “bad guy.” It’s about teaching our kids respect, self-control, and responsibility.

In a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, children with parents who set clear boundaries and expectations were found to be more competent and have better social skills.

Boundaries create a sense of security for children. They understand where they stand and what’s expected of them.

It’ll teach them about respect and set them up for success in their future relationships.

4) Cultivating patience

Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with children. From toddler tantrums to teenage mood swings, it can be challenging to maintain composure.

But showing patience isn’t just about keeping your cool. It’s about teaching your children the value of waiting and understanding that not everything comes instantly.

When we show patience, we’re demonstrating respect for our children’s process of learning and growing.

When you feel your patience wearing thin, take a deep breath and remember: by modeling patience, you’re teaching your kids a valuable life skill and earning their respect along the way.

5) Honesty is the best policy

Long-lasting respect is built on trust, and trust is built on honesty.

Everyone makes mistakes, including us parents. When we mess up, it’s important to admit it and apologize.

By doing this, we’re showing our kids that it’s okay to make mistakes and that it’s crucial to take responsibility for them.

Being honest, even when it’s hard, shows our children that we are human too. This honesty fosters respect and teaches them to be accountable for their actions as well.

6) Show unconditional love

Love is the cornerstone of every relationship, and the bond between a parent and child is no exception.

Showing our love unconditionally, even when they test our patience or break the rules, sends a powerful message to our children. It tells them that they are valued and important, no matter what.

This kind of love builds a deep sense of security and self-worth in our kids.

And when they feel secure and loved unconditionally, they can’t help but respect the source of that love. That’s why showing unconditional love is such a powerful way to earn your child’s respect.

7) Understanding the value of time

There was a period in my life when work was all-consuming. The hours flew by and before I knew it, I was missing out on precious moments with my kids.

One day, my son asked me, “Why are you always so busy?” It hit me hard. I realized that by constantly being “too busy,” I was inadvertently sending the message that other things were more important than them.

From that day on, I made it a point to spend quality time with my kids, to be present, really present.

And you know what? It made a world of difference. My relationship with my kids improved significantly and they started to see me not just as their parent but also as someone they could confide in and respect.

Earning respect isn’t about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s as simple as putting aside the time to really be there for them. Because nothing says “I respect you” more than giving someone your undivided attention.

8) Model respect

Respect isn’t a one-way street. If we want our kids to respect us, we need to show them what respect looks like.

This means treating everyone we encounter – from the cashier at the grocery store to their school teacher – with kindness and consideration.

Our children learn from us. When they see us treating others with respect, they will adopt this behavior and extend it back to us.

Kids are like sponges. They absorb everything around them, so let’s make sure what they’re soaking up is a lesson in respect.

9) Persistence pays off

Earning the respect of your children isn’t an overnight process. It takes time, effort, and above all, persistence.

There will be days when it feels like you’re not making any progress. There will be moments of frustration and doubt. But remember, it’s a journey.

Consistency in exhibiting the right behaviors and habits, even when it’s challenging, is what truly makes a difference.

Don’t give up. Keep trying, keep learning, and keep growing. The respect you earn from your children will be worth every bit of effort.