MOM HOT TAKE: teaching my kids respect…
coming from California - i was never respectful like this. but moving from there to Texas i’ve learned that a TON of kids from elementary to high school, call all adults “ma’am” or “sir”. and i see it as super respectful.
since moving here, i added those words to my vocabulary and always told myself i’d teach my kids to acknowledge adults this way.
i’ve had young ladies my age tell me “i’m not old, don’t call me ma’am” and it’s not disrespectful. it’s just acknowledgment. and i don’t get offended when the kids i sub for call me ma’am. even if they don’t hear a question i ask, instead of saying “what?” they say “ma’am?” and i think it’s the sweetest.
it definitely matters where you come from. and the south has a ton of respect/ genuine hospitality.
#momhottakes #lemon8challenge #growingup #toddlermenu #babyshowertheme
Building on my 'ma’am and sir' approach to respect, I’ve realized that teaching kindness and good manners goes beyond just words. It's a holistic journey, and frankly, sometimes it feels like a marathon! When I first moved to Texas, I saw how naturally kids adopted calling adults 'ma’am' or 'sir,' and it truly highlighted for me that respect is often about simple acknowledgments. But what else can we do as moms to truly instill these values, so our kids understand 'IT'S ALL ABOUT RESPECT' in every interaction? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that actions speak louder than words. My kids are always watching! If I want them to be kind, I need to demonstrate kindness in my daily life – from how I talk to the cashier at the grocery store to how I resolve conflicts with my partner. It’s about modeling empathy. For example, if we see someone struggling, instead of just pointing it out, I try to ask, 'What do you think that person might be feeling right now?' This helps them develop emotional intelligence, which is a huge part of being truly respectful and kind. Another practical tip I've embraced is involving them in household responsibilities. Even my youngest has age-appropriate chores. This teaches them about contributing to a community (our family!) and appreciating the effort others put in. When they understand the work involved in keeping our home tidy, they're less likely to make a mess carelessly and more likely to show gratitude when someone else does something for them. It cultivates a sense of responsibility and respect for shared spaces and efforts. We also practice active listening. In our house, when someone is speaking, we make eye contact and wait for our turn. It sounds simple, but it teaches them that everyone’s voice matters and deserves attention. This directly ties into the idea that 'MY KIDS WILL CALL YOU MA'AM OR SIR REGARDLESS OF YOUR AGE' – it's about acknowledging someone's presence and valuing their contribution to the conversation or interaction. It’s not just an empty phrase, but an attitude of attentiveness. Finally, I try to encourage gratitude regularly. Before bed, we often talk about three things we're grateful for that day. This simple practice shifts their focus from what they want to what they *have*, fostering a more appreciative and less entitled mindset. True kindness, I believe, stems from a place of gratitude and understanding that we are all interconnected. It’s a constant work in progress, but seeing them grow into polite, thoughtful individuals makes every effort worthwhile.
Same!! We are Southern and we teach our children to call all of their elders ma’am and sir, say please and thank you, etc. it’s our culture and we are all about making sure they’re respectful!