Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World
By Jill Rigby
(Howard Books, $14.99 paper)
Jill Rigby, clearly, is on a mission. She’s the founder of the Manners of the Heart Community Fund, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to bringing civility and respect to this disrespectful age. She is something of a cross between Johnny Appleseed and Aretha Franklin, sprinkling seeds of R-E-S-P-E-C-T wherever she goes.
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1. In her list of 36 Ways to Cultivate a House of Respect, she includes: fly a kite together, draw a smiley face in syrup on your child’s pancakes, polish your spouse’s shoes.
2. If you haven’t given cooking lessons yet, the time to start is when you’ve got a teen. It’s a great way to spend time together, and you’re teaching a life skill.
3. There is no good reason for not taking time to play with your kids, no matter their age. From Duplo with a toddler to regular lunch dates with your teen, break up the to-do lists with plain old-fashioned fun.
4. Don’t be afraid to let your kids see you down on your knees saying prayers.
5. Don’t be your kids’ cheerleaders with false praise; be their coach with a truly compassionate heart.