Respect.
Teach your son to Respect himself, Respect others and Respect personal property.
Point out to your son why he is special to you. Look for positive traits that seem to come naturally to him and let him know that you appreciate and respect these things that you see in him. It could be that you see kindness in the way he treats his dog. Or, you see patience as he attempts to teach his little brother to throw a ball.
As he grows and matures, continue to be on the lookout for other positive traits and let him know you respect the person he is becoming.
If he respects himself, it is easier for him to respect others. Everyone has something special and unique about them. Teach him to accept that fact first, then automatically he will be respectful of all people in all walks of life.
Material objects are certainly not as important as people or relationships but they do hold value. Teach your son to be mindful of taking care of his own personal property and respectful of the property of others, including school and community property.
There you go. Another lesson for today. Now, go and love your son in your own special way. Some days are long but, trust me, the years will just disappear.
Love,
MarnaKay
Boys 