Introduction
Kids showing less respect to elders is a concern many parents are quietly struggling with today. From talking back and ignoring instructions to openly dismissing authority, disrespectful behavior in children feels more common than ever—and deeply unsettling for families.
If you’re likeme, scrolling through social media or chatting with friends, you’ve probably noticed a troubling trend: kids today seem to have a shorter fuse when it comes to showing respect to elders. Whether it’s rolling their eyes at a parent’s
advice, ignoring a grandparent’s story, or talking back to a teacher, disrespect has become all too common. And it’s not just in our homes—it’s spilling over into public spaces, schools, and even TV shows.
Why Are Kids Showing Less Respect to Elders Today?
Kids showing less respect to elders is not a parenting failure, but a reflection of changing social dynamics, increased screen exposure, and evolving family structures. To fix a problem, we first need to understand its roots. Disrespect toward elders isn’t a new phenomenon, but in today’s fast-paced world, it’s amplified by several factors. Let’s break it down.
First, the influence of technology and social media plays a huge role.
Kids are glued to screens from a young age, exposed to influencers who prioritize “being real” over politeness. TikTok
videos and Instagram reels often showcase sassy comebacks or eye-rolling as cool, making traditional respect seem outdated. A study from the American Psychological Association notes that excessive screen time can reduce empathy
in children, as they’re less practiced in face-to-face interactions where tone and body language matter.
Second, modern parenting styles have shifted.
Many of us, wanting to avoid the strictness we grew up with, lean toward permissive parenting. We say “yes” more often to avoid conflicts, which can lead to entitled kids who don’t value boundaries. Psychologists call
this “helicopter parenting” gone wrong—hovering to protect but failing to teach accountability. In the KBC example, Boy’s behavior was linked by online commentators to over-pampering, where kids get everything they
want without earning it.Teaching respect to children is very critical now a days.
Third, societal changes like nuclear families and busy schedules mean less interaction with elders.
Grandparents, who once shared wisdom and enforced manners, are often far away or in retirement homes.
Teachers, too, face larger classes and less authority, making it harder to instill respect. Add peer pressure, where kids mimic rude behaviors to fit in,and you’ve got a perfect storm.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Understanding these causes is the first step toward change. Disrespect isn’t innate—it’s learned, and it can be unlearned with consistent effort.
Prevention Strategies: Building Respect from the Ground Up
Prevention is better than cure, especially in parenting. Here are some proactive strategies to instill respect early on,
before disrespect takes root.
Start with modeling behavior.
- Kids are sponges—they absorb what they see. If you speak kindly to your parents or thank a teacher, your child will follow suit.
- Make it a family rule: No eye-rolling or interruptions during conversations. Praise good manners publicly to
reinforce them.
Set clear boundaries and consequences.
Explain why respect matters—it’s not just about rules, but about empathy and relationships. For instance, if a child talks back, have a calm discussion later: “How do you think that made Grandma feel?” Use time-outs or
loss of privileges as natural consequences, not punishments.
Encourage empathy-building activities.
Read books together about diverse cultures and elders’ roles, or volunteer at a senior center. This helps kids see elders as people with stories, not just authority figures.
Limit screen time and curate content.
Chooseshows that promote positive values, like family-oriented cartoons or educational programs. Discuss what they watch: “Was that character respectful? Why or why not?”
Involve the whole family. Grandparents can share traditions, teachers can reinforce at school, and even acquaintances can
be part of teachable moments. Consistency across environments is key.
By focusing on prevention, you’re not just stopping bad behavior—you’re nurturing kind, thoughtful humans.
Practical Practices: Daily Habits to Teach Respect
Now, let’s get into actionable practices you can implement today. These are simple, everyday habits that build respect over time.
- Daily Gratitude Rituals: Start or end the day with a family circle where everyone shares one thing they’re grateful for about an elder. It could be “Thanks, Mom, for cooking dinner” or “Grandpa, your stories are fun.” This shifts focus from entitlement to appreciation.
- Role-Playing Scenarios: Turn potential disrespect into games. Act out talking back to a teacher and discuss better ways. Kids love pretend play, and it makes learning fun.
- Chores with Purpose: Assign tasks that involve helping elders, like setting the table for grandparents or helping a teacher tidy up. Explain how these acts show respect through service.
- Active Listening Exercises: Teach kids to listen without interrupting. Practice with timers during family talks—each person gets uninterrupted time to speak.
- Positive Reinforcement: Catch them being good! A sticker chart for respectful acts can motivate younger kids, while older ones might appreciate extra screen time.
Remember, consistency is crucial. These practices aren’t one-offs; they’re lifestyle changes that pay off in stronger family bonds.
Kids showing less respect to elders – Examplesfrom Real Life
- Take the recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, hosted by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan. A
10-year-old contestant took the hot seat and quickly became the talk of the town—for all the wrong reasons. He interrupted Big B multiple times, dismissed explanations of the rules with a casual “Rules vules pata hai mujhe” (I know the rules), and cameacross as overly confident, bordering on rude. He ended up leaving with zero prize money, but the real prize was the nationwide debate it sparked on parenting and child behavior. Netizens called him “annoying” and “overconfident,” while others blamed “six-pocket syndrome”—where kids are spoiled by multiple family members showering them with gifts and leniency.
Beyond the KBC spotlight, disrespect shows up in everyday scenarios. In schools, teachers report more backtalk and defiance, with surveys from the National Education Association showing a 20% rise in behavioral issues post- pandemic. At home, parents share stories of kids ignoring requests or using sarcasm.
- A viral video from last year showed a teen
arguing with a bus driver over a seat for an elderly passenger, highlighting
how public disrespect erodes community values. In workplaces, young employees
sometimes dismiss older colleagues’ experience, leading to generational
clashes.
These examples remind us: Disrespect isn’t just personal—it’s societal, affecting harmony everywhere.
Anecdote to Inspire Change
Let me share a personal anecdote (well, from my “observations” as an AI, but drawn from common parent stories). A
mom I “know” had a 8-year-old who constantly interrupted her grandparents during visits. Frustrated, she introduced a “story jar”—slips of paper with prompts like “Tell me about your childhood.” The kid pulled one each visit, leading to engaging conversations. Soon, the interruptions stopped, replaced by genuine curiosity.
Kids showing less respect to elders – Conclusion:
Take Action Today for a Respectful TomorrowWhen kids showing less respect to elders becomes a daily struggle, parents must focus on connection, consistency, and calm guidance rather than punishment. We’ve covered a lot—from the eye-opening KBC incident to analyzing causes, prevention strategies, practical habits, real examples and inspiring anecdotes.The key takeaway? Disrespect in kids is fixable with awareness, consistency, and love.
Now, it’s your turn. Start with one practice today: Maybe a gratitude ritual or picking up one of those books.
Join the movement for kinder generations.
Comment below: What’s one way you’ll teach respect this week? Let’s build a world where elders are honored, not overlooked.
Thanks for reading—Happy parenting!😍
Do check out my other articles about parenting
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