We all know that children learn by copying what others do and. People will, hence, often assume a certain level of superiority over them but sometimes neglect a fact that they are capable of choosing, expressing and refusing when they want to (of course, within their social exposure). It is seemingly reasonable for adults to overlook, talk over or dismiss a child's opinion for what we perceive as naive and inexperienced without recognizing the rights they deserve for their years of social presence. 

What worsens the situation and, at the same time, what we want to avoid is when these things are done in public, the psychological impacts can be done subconsciously but wrongful accumulatively.

The following 4 bite-sized ponder foods can explain why we should respect our children.

1. Allow your child to make choices about his or her body

Just as we, adults, want to keep our physical space, so do children. Allow children to refuse a hug when they want to. We should ask for their consent if they want a hug. Refrain from forcing them or guilt-tripping them for refusing a hug. 

The message you send your child when you allow him to make choices about his body now can have a huge impact on how he feels about his rights and ability to say no in the future.

2. Show your trust in your child by allowing him/ her to do for themselves

Letting your child make their first decisions can teach an early lesson on being responsible for their own choices. Buying kids toys can be habitual sometimes as a way to serve them and cultivate in them complacency and tendency to demand rather than working for what they want.

Instead of serving your child or assigning hobbies to them, first try to assume that your child can do it by him/ herself. Not only does this put a responsible card on a kid's table but it also empowers them and boost their confidence when they are entitled.

Crochet toys are presumed to be for girls only and wooden toys are for boys - shouldn't it be free for all to choose whatever they want?

3. Listen

Allow your child to speak for herself, even if it feels like it’s taking quite a bit of time to get it all out. Use patience and eye contact, and refrain from interrupting or finishing her sentences. When you show your child that what she has to say matters, you show her to use her voice in all kinds of situations.

4. Refrain from forcing your child to share