Want to nurture the value of respecting others? Grab these children’s books about respect, perfect for teaching your child how to interact with other kids and adults.
Sometimes we parents have a warped view of what showing respect truly is.
We think respect means that our kids do what we say, or that they don’t cause us trouble or embarrassment. Maybe we urge our kids to talk to others—even if they don’t want to—as a sign of respect. Or perhaps we want the kids to stop fighting with each other already.
But respect is simply treating others the way we’d want to be treated.
They don’t disrespect us by not doing everything we say, or when they refuse to hug relatives they hardly know. And they certainly aren’t being disrespectful when they voice their opinions.
In fact, one of my often-said phrases is: “You can disagree, but do it respectfully.”
Because respect is possible when we disagree with others—perhaps it’s even more necessary when we do disagree. I want my kids to question what they’re told, to call us out on our mistakes, and to give their opinions.
All without being told they’re disrespectful.
Above all, respect starts with oneself: we can’t respect others if we’re taught to put our needs last all the time, or to obey and listen no matter what.
Children’s books about respect
Respect is one of the most important values to teach our kids. We show them to be kind to others, regardless of who they are or whether they supposedly “deserve” it or not. And we stress the importance of courtesy toward others, no matter how different they may be.
One of the best ways to talk about your values is through reading children’s books about respect. These books explore how their behavior affects others, as well as how to handle difficult situations while still being respectful.
For instance, in Do Unto Otters, Mr. Rabbit learns how to treat others who are different from him. And My Mouth Is a Volcano shows kids different ways to control what they say so they don’t interrupt.
These children’s books about respect are fantastic reads and instill the important value of treating others how we would want others to treat us. I hope you’ll select a few for your next library run or book shopping trip!
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase.
Baditude! What to Do When Life Stinks! by Julia Cook
You Get What You Get by Julie Gassman
I’m Like You, You’re Like Me: A Book About Understanding and Appreciating Each Other by Cindy Gainer
Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller
Penguin Says “Please” by Michael Dahl
I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! by Julia Cook
Talk and Work It Out by Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed.
My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook
The Way I Act by Steve Metzger
What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick
Get more tips:
- What to Do When Your Child Disrespects You
- 3 Ways We Unintentionally Disrespect Our Kids
- How to Get Toddlers to Listen Without Yelling
- 5 Unusual Ways to Deal With a Defiant 3 Year Old
- Top 10 Toddler Discipline Books to Get Your Child to Listen
Want even more book selections? Join my newsletter and download my Read Aloud Book List! You’ll get hundreds of favorite selections to read aloud with your kids. Get it below—at no cost to you:
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