I appreciated all the feedback. It's good to know there are so many people feeling this way. But, it got me thinking...what can we do to spread the love?
**********************************************
I wanted to start a "Kids are people, too" campaign...but my dear friend Karen reminded me that that was a tv show in the 70's. That's not what I want people to think of when they see my new badge!
My 3 R's would be Rethinking Respect: a Revolution. (Did you like the bold letters?)
I was curious what some official definitions were for the word respect. Here is what I found:
From Wikipedia : Respect is esteem for, or a sense of the worth or excellence of, a person, a personal quality, ability, or a manifestation of a personal quality or ability. It is sometimes, but should not be, confused with loyalty or fear for a person.
From Webster online: a: high or special regardFrom free dictionary.com: re·spect n.
1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem. See Synonyms at regard.
2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
4. respects Polite expressions of consideration or deference: pay one's respects.
5. A particular aspect, feature, or detail: In many respects this is an important decision.
6. Usage Problem Relation; reference. See Usage Note at regard.
Why is it so hard to imagine a child in this light? To appreciate, show consideration or appreciation, esteem for their sense of worth or excellence.
Nowhere in these definitions does it say respect is only for your elders. It doesn't say you need to be a certain age, grade level, or have a certain level of experience. One doesn't need to be an adult to deserve this treatment. As a matter of fact, there have been many adults I have met who deserve less respect than the children I know. And as adults, we are the ones who are supposed to know how to show respect. How can children learn it if they are not seeing it being used?
So, here's the rub...how can we spread the word? What can we say that will express to people the import of this message? For now, I am adding a badge/photo to my side bar that will link to this post. I ask you all to feel free to do the same. Let's get people thinking about this. Let's start a revolution. I want this to spread. I want to get the word out. For our children, and all children. Maybe one day people will all show children the respect they deserve.
Imagine what a bunch of kids like ours could accomplish?
**********************************************
My message in a nutshell...
Children are 100% human. They are not on a journey to humanhood.
Adulthood does not equal humanhood.
That less experience doesn't mean someone is less important.
That dependent doesn't mean non contributing.
That a child is dependent just means that they need the help of adults. For food, for clothes, for shelter...but also for love, respect, and to learn the value of human life. Not just others; but, their own value and worth as well.
**********************************************
COME ON, PEOPLE...JOIN THE REVOLUTION!
9 comments:
Excellent post, so true...where is the badge, I want mine!
Thanks, Amy.
Just copy the picture of the kids on the dock(from my sidebar). Then make the picture a link to this blog post. (where it says click the photo to join the revolution,)
It must be the time of year.
The kids had a doctor's appt. the other day. The nurse was very rude and snippy to them. When Milo told her he didn't want to do something, she said "Well, too bad!"
I am writing a letter to the office. Even though it's our long time family doctor, if it happens again I'll be leaving. I was not happy.
Great timing. I love your idea.
Hear, hear!
And this?
"Imagine what a bunch of kids like ours could accomplish?"
I think this every day just watching my kids. They are the future. And yes, that sounds cheesy, but I think progress needs radical, original, free-thinking creative people who are not afraid to speak up, act out, do, be, and aspire in any and every way they can.
I think that people perhaps don't respect their children because they don't respect themselves.
I am in! I think this is so great. I was at the museum the other day, you know where you take the kids for some FUN. Well apparently this was such a chore and so very not fun as much as an unwanted obligation for some parents. I was sad to hear the snarly tone in which they spoke to their kids. The fact that they were humiliating their child, when they bitched to other moms about the fact that Johnny was six and still wetting the bed like a baby. The poor kid looked mortified. It broke my heart, and I had to leave the play area and move on. I wish I said something. But I hate confrontation so much, that if she responded at all I would have escalated very quickly and probably would have gotten banned! So please, let the Revolution begin!-k
Mama K, It always makes me sad to hear parents talk negatively about their kids in front of them. We too have left places for the same reason. It always leads to interesting conversations.
SwissArmyWife, We left a doctor that we had previously loved when Drue was 2. When she was hysterically crying he told us "you're gonna want to nip that in the bud. When our kids were little we used a wooden spoon, but I guess I can't tell you that." THEN, he looked at Drue and said "I have a sticker for you, but first you need to tell me you're sorry." Ahh? No. You don't.
Crazy.
I just found your blog tonight and I am loving it!!! My children have taught me so much with their wisdom and their love. Thanks for your perspective!!!
This is wonderful... I'm in!
My daughter said to me a few days ago "everyone is worth exactly the same." as if she had just had a revelation. I thought it was a very egalitarian perspective ... and true.
Post a Comment