But, it's not always that easy. According to Steve Wagoner, youth development educator with University of Illinois Extension, it takes practice to develop respect. Wherever there are groups of people, there are chances to practice. People can begin to practice respect by noticing how they relate to close family members or friends. By focusing on people we care about first, we can then learn to value others in the same way.
Meaningful practice involves understanding and accepting others.
It's about more than age, gender, and physical appearance. Adults, in particular, can show young people how different they are from others, and stress to them that the differences make them special. We need to create safe environments where they can discuss the differences until they are comfortable living with them. Just like reading, playing basketball, driving a car, or using a computer, learning how to respect others takes continued practice. Talking about our actions and how they affect others in helpful and hurtful ways is a good first step in adjusting how we behave around others.