Respect, when used as a verb means to “hold in esteem or honor” or to show regard or consideration for” or “to refrain from intruding upon or interfering with:

Respect is something that is earned.  Children at a young age are likely to respect their father, as he teaches, nurtures and protects them.  In time, however, the respect can be compromised due to a father’s inability to gain and keep that respect.

Respect, if not earned, cannot be demanded.  As a parent this must be understood.  As a child grows, he or she begins to form opinions and conclusions that positively or negatively affect them and their relationship with their dad.

Respect is earned from a child through:

1. Discipline:

Children want discipline in their life.  Correct discipline is a necessary part of the growth process and is a necessary responsibility for a parent. The less we spend disciplining and counseling our children the less they will feel loved by us.

2. Be a Good Example:

Children and teenagers sometimes do dangerous and foolish things, and that is because they do not understand or THINK about the consequences. Young minds do not have the wisdom to discern properly about the real dangers of drugs, sex, etc. Just hanging out with the wrong crowd of kids can lead our children down a destructive path.

The proper correction a child receives must be consciously taught starting when they are very young, and this means we need to take our role as dads seriously. We are to be the good example for our child to follow. By a fathers example a child learns right from wrong and how to act in certain situations.  A dad plays a vital role a child's destiny.  It is by example the child learns to react within their world.

3. Teaching:

Take time to teach them what you know.  Be it by cooking, repairing a car or building a piece of furniture, or teaching what is right vs. wrong - there are constantly teaching moments.  Also realize that how you treat your child’s mom is a teaching moment in the areas of honoring, working with others, showing restraint, negotiating, and the list goes on and on.  And, so it is clear, a dad will be challenged by their child to teach or share whatever religion or beliefs about the purpose of existence or the order of the world they hold.  Some fathers will cherish this and are firm and confident in their belief, others better come to grips with it, because these inevitable questions will come. 

4. Show Love:

Take the time to show love rather than buy love. More often than not, a busy schedule can keep a parent from spending quality time with a child.  Don’t let it.  Schedule a convenient time, at least once a week, to spend the whole day with your child. You may not know this but a child enjoys hanging out with dad once in a while, especially when we treat them with respect and love. Do this by showing interest in their interests even if it seems wild or frivolous to us. Always try and be more understanding of their needs.

The earning of respect is not easy, but it is essential to good fathering.  If not earned embittering your child is a likely consequence; they will become discouraged about life as a result.  Instead practice the four points above and be there for your child.  You will find the consequence for you is that your child will be forever in your life.