5 Things I’m Doing To Raise My Son To Respect All Others

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights." Denying this, to our fellow man because they are different, is something I intend to prevent from becoming a part of my son's personality. Here's how.

5) I let him know that people come in all shapes and sizes.

When playing in a celebrity wheelchair basketball game, my son Dylan saw for the first time, someone who had no legs. I used that opportunity to show him that people come in all different colors, shapes and sizes. Some have all their parts and some don't. Most importantly, we're still all equal and can achieve many things in life.

4) I do NOT praise his outward appearance.

Sure it's okay to teach grooming and cleanliness, and it's okay to help your child discover how to be beautiful or handsome, but, I think it's more important to teach kindness towards others. I hope this shows him how good looking he really can be.

3) It's MY job to teach him right from wrong.

I hope our backyard campfires will turn my son into a good boyscout and not an arsonist. I can't count on the troop leader, his teachers or his peers to give him guidance. His parents are to take the lead here.

2) I encourage my son to be kind.

"You catch more flies with honey." I like to use that when teaching Dylan how to accomplishment his goals. I insist he shares his toys and snacks with his friends because I believe that will have a profound impact on his personality.

1) I lead by example.

I had no idea of the bad habits of my father until I was in my 30s. Sure he smoked and used bad language, but for the most part, he set a good example and I'm trying to do the same. I don't make fun of other people, I don't smoke or drink (much) because I feel things like this can leave a negative imprint on him. I think he pays very close attention to everything I do and say so, I'm trying to set a good example.

I hope these tips remind you that you're on display to your children and you can shape their future in many different directions.

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Inspired by [Leslie Saul]