How do you show respect for your child? By discussing her feelings and beliefs and acknowledging that they are valid—for her. By helping her improve her critical thinking skills and empathy by discussing other people’s perspectives on the same issues. By respecting who she is, and the integrity of her body. By starting with the child, and moving forward from there. You don’t show respect when you agree with everything she says or by letting her make all her own choices or decisions. Look, kids don’t always know what’s right for them. They’re kids, after all. You show respect for your child when you:

respect her feelings; respect her opinions; respect her privacy; respect her temperament; and respect her body and personal space.