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 kids do what we say, or that they don’t cause us trouble or embarrassment. We urge them to talk to others—even if they don’t want to—as a sign of respect. Or we want them 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.
Instead, they should learn that they can disagree with others, but to do so respectfully.
Because respect is possible when we disagree with others—perhaps it’s even more necessary when we do. 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.
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.
Children’s books about respect
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 importance 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.
The Berenstain Bears Show Some Respect by Jan and Mike Berenstain
Respect: The Best Me That I Can Be by Rose Angebrandt
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 by Cindy Gainer
Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
Penguin Says “Please” by Michael Dahl
(Check out more children’s books about penguins.)
I Just Don’t Like the Sound of No! by Julia Cook
Respect and Take Care of Things 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
Read these next:
- 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
Free printables: Want even more book selections? Join my newsletter and download your copy of the 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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