One of the most valuable skills parents can strengthen in children is respect for the teacher. Respect is not only an ethical behavior—it also has a direct impact on a child’s learning, motivation, and academic success. Educational research suggests that children who have a positive and respectful relationship with their teacher experience three to five times more academic progress than others. In this article, we review 10 evidence-based, practical strategies that parents can use to increase a child’s respect for—and cooperation with—their teacher.
Why Is Respect for the Teacher Essential for a Child’s Development?
Respect for the teacher is not just a social behavior; it influences several key areas of a child’s growth:
-
Increased motivation to learn
-
Fewer behavioral disruptions in the classroom
-
Stronger self-esteem and sense of self-worth
-
Better social communication skills
-
A positive model for interacting with adults
Parents therefore play an important role in shaping this respect.
10 Evidence-Based Ways to Increase Children’s Respect for Their Teacher
1) Parents’ Behavioral Role-Modeling (The Golden Rule of Parenting)
Children learn more than 70% of their behaviors through observation. When parents speak about the teacher respectfully, the child is likely to copy that attitude.
Example: “Your teacher works really hard for you. It would be nice to thank her today.”
2) Teach Respectful Communication Skills
Children need to learn how to interact appropriately with a teacher.
Skills to teach:
-
Greeting politely
-
Active listening
-
Not interrupting
-
Making polite requests
-
Saying thank you
3) Build a Sense of Responsibility in the Child
A responsible child naturally respects classroom rules.
Practical approach: Give small responsibilities at home, such as tidying the desk, packing the school bag, or doing homework without repeated reminders.
4) Remove Negative Talk About the Teacher at Home
Criticizing or disrespecting the teacher at home can completely destroy a child’s respect. Even if there are concerns, they should not be discussed in front of the child.
5) Create a Positive Parent–Teacher Relationship
When a child sees parents interacting warmly and respectfully with the teacher, they tend to behave the same way.
Helpful actions:
-
Send a short thank-you message to the teacher
-
Attend meetings respectfully
-
Cooperate with school activities
6) Acknowledge and Praise the Teacher’s Efforts
Recognizing other people’s efforts is a key foundation of respect.
Say to your child: “Your teacher spends a lot of time every day helping you learn.”
7) Teach Respectful Emotional Expression
Some children become disrespectful when they feel angry or overwhelmed. Teaching them how to express feelings correctly reduces disrespectful behavior.
Practice phrases:
-
“I’m upset right now. Please help me.”
-
“I need a little time.”
-
“Could you please explain it again?”
8) Set Clear Respect Rules at Home
If respect for adults isn’t practiced at home, it’s unlikely to show up at school.
Suggested rules:
-
Don’t interrupt adults while they’re speaking
-
Speak in a calm tone
-
Say thank you after receiving help
9) Reinforce Respectful Behaviors
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective evidence-based parenting tools for making behaviors stick.
Encouraging phrases:
-
“Well done for speaking respectfully to your teacher today.”
-
“I was really happy that you listened carefully.”
10) Use Books and Stories That Teach Respect
Children’s books about respect for adults can shape behavior through storytelling role models.
Good options:
-
Life-skills books for children
-
School- and teacher-themed stories
-
Short moral stories
Conclusion
Respect for the teacher is not only a moral value—it is also a vital social and educational skill. With simple steps such as role-modeling, encouragement, teaching respectful communication, and cooperating with the teacher, parents can significantly increase a child’s respect toward their teacher. A child who learns respect will grow into an adult with healthier social relationships, stronger communication skills, and greater academic success.
