R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find Out What It Means to Me
So often I here adults saying, "These kids are so disrespectful
these days", but they don't realize that they are a part of the problem.
I get it, believe me I get it, teens can be flappy at the mouth
sometimes. Answer me this question. When in the history of teens haven't
they been flappy at the mouth? Every adult at some point has been a
teen (unless you are a complete abnormality of nature and completely
skipped that stage), and as a teen you have at one time or another been
disrespectful.
Here is the thing, it is completely unfair to judge an entire generation based on your experience with a few. Yes I'm sure you have been disrespected, but have you also been a part of the problem? Has there ever been a time when you raised your voice at one of your teens out of anger, or because you were trying to get your point across? And at that moment did you ask yourself is it fair to yell at an individual and not expect some sort of back talk? Listen, I understand because you are the adult that you feel you should be respected at all times.
There is an old saying that says, "In order to get respect, you must give respect", and that is the absolute truth. Just because a person is younger than you doesn't mean that they can't offer a valid perspective on things. You have to get out of your feelings, step back, take a breath and be the adult. Here is the thing, teens are caught in the middle of childhood and adult hood. They aren't children anymore not yet adults, even though they have adult feelings and emotions. Would you yell or raise your voice at an adult and not expect in return a harsh response? No, so why would you yell at a 15, 16, 17, or 18 year old and not expect the same reaction. As educators, administrators, counselors, and parents you are in control, but you lose control when you don't know when to relax. I remember when I worked for the Boys & Girls Club and I told my staff members in a meeting that they need to learn how to handle a certain level of disrespect. They all looked at me like I was out of my mind and crazy. Here is what I meant by that. If there is a situation where you are being completely disrespected by a young individual, you have to realize that you are in fact the adult and you have to be the bigger person. Relax, and allow that teen to say whatever they are saying.
You remain in a calm voice and demeanor, because ultimately you will have the final say so. But if during that time you begin to yell back at them and act angry as well, then the situation can only escalate and you will look bad in the eyes of the other students around. So accepting a level of disrespect doesn't mean to allow yourself to be disrespected and not do anything about it... it means deal with it in that moment and handle it afterwards.
Here are my final thoughts: Teens are going to be teens no matter what, but what type of adult will you be? Will you be the one who yells to get your point across, or will you be the one who gives respect and handles themselves in an adult manner? Remember, you catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Keon_Merriett/2272319
Here is the thing, it is completely unfair to judge an entire generation based on your experience with a few. Yes I'm sure you have been disrespected, but have you also been a part of the problem? Has there ever been a time when you raised your voice at one of your teens out of anger, or because you were trying to get your point across? And at that moment did you ask yourself is it fair to yell at an individual and not expect some sort of back talk? Listen, I understand because you are the adult that you feel you should be respected at all times.
There is an old saying that says, "In order to get respect, you must give respect", and that is the absolute truth. Just because a person is younger than you doesn't mean that they can't offer a valid perspective on things. You have to get out of your feelings, step back, take a breath and be the adult. Here is the thing, teens are caught in the middle of childhood and adult hood. They aren't children anymore not yet adults, even though they have adult feelings and emotions. Would you yell or raise your voice at an adult and not expect in return a harsh response? No, so why would you yell at a 15, 16, 17, or 18 year old and not expect the same reaction. As educators, administrators, counselors, and parents you are in control, but you lose control when you don't know when to relax. I remember when I worked for the Boys & Girls Club and I told my staff members in a meeting that they need to learn how to handle a certain level of disrespect. They all looked at me like I was out of my mind and crazy. Here is what I meant by that. If there is a situation where you are being completely disrespected by a young individual, you have to realize that you are in fact the adult and you have to be the bigger person. Relax, and allow that teen to say whatever they are saying.
You remain in a calm voice and demeanor, because ultimately you will have the final say so. But if during that time you begin to yell back at them and act angry as well, then the situation can only escalate and you will look bad in the eyes of the other students around. So accepting a level of disrespect doesn't mean to allow yourself to be disrespected and not do anything about it... it means deal with it in that moment and handle it afterwards.
Here are my final thoughts: Teens are going to be teens no matter what, but what type of adult will you be? Will you be the one who yells to get your point across, or will you be the one who gives respect and handles themselves in an adult manner? Remember, you catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar.
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thank you