Resilience, Rights & Respectful Relationships 

Building Respectful Relationships 

Foster open communication

• Create a safe space: Encourage your child to come to you with questions and problems to build trust and model open communication.
• Listen actively: Use phrases like, "So what I heard you say is..." to show you are listening and understand their point of view.
• Start early and keep it ongoing: Begin with simple conversations about friendships and interactions. Let conversations grow naturally from everyday experiences, like a scene in a TV show, and build upon them over time.

• Ask questions: Ask how things make them feel, and use open-ended questions like, "How would someone feel if they were treated like that?" and "What could they have done better?"

   

Model and teach respectful behaviours

• Show respect for your child: Support their choices, accept them even when they make mistakes, and encourage their growth.
• Model healthy conflict resolution: Show them how to express needs calmly and respectfully, and how to disagree without being put down or hurtful.
• Teach emotional skills: Help children develop self-awareness and self-management, which are key to understanding and regulating their own emotions and interacting with others respectfully.

• Challenge stereotypes: Have conversations about gender, race, and other topics to challenge stereotypes and promote equality. 

   

Encourage social and emotional learning 

• Focus on empathy: Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding others' feelings.
• Support problem-solving: Help your child think through the pros and cons of a situation rather than imposing solutions.
• Build a foundation of security: Provide warm and responsive interactions to build a secure base where your child feels safe and confident.