Parenting on PointSample

Fostering Respect for Authority

Respect for authority is an important value that helps children grow into responsible and law-abiding adults. It involves honoring those in positions of leadership and understanding that God has established order for our good. Teaching children to respect authority helps them live peacefully and flourish in society.

Begin by explaining to your children what authority is and why it’s important. Help them understand that authority is a God-given structure designed to bring order, peace, and safety to our lives. Show them that respecting authority means honoring parents, teachers, coaches, pastors, leaders, and even laws. Model respect for authority in your own life. Show respect for your own parents, obey the laws, and speak kindly of those in leadership positions. When your children see you respecting authority, they will be more likely to do the same.

When one of our sons was around eight years old, he started challenging boundaries we’d set forth as parents. Like many children, he was beginning to test his independence, often questioning rules and pushing back against instructions. On one particular Saturday morning, we were preparing for a day out at the park. As we were getting ready, we asked him to tidy up his room before we left. He responded with a defiant “no,” crossing his arms and planting his feet firmly on the ground. We could see that this wasn’t just a refusal to do a simple task; it was a moment of testing and challenge as he tried to assert his own will over ours.

We knew we needed to address it with both firmness and grace, so we kneeled to his eye level and said, “In our family, we show respect for each other, and that includes obeying the rules and listening to Mom and Dad. I need you to understand that when I ask you to do something, it’s not to make your life hard but to help you grow up to be a responsible and respectful person. We have to start by showing respect for authority in our own home.”

I asked him to think of a time when listening to us as his parents had kept him safe or helped him make a good choice. With his arms still crossed, he thought for a minute, then recalled a recent incident when he’d wanted to run out into the street to get his ball, but he’d stopped because I told him to always look both ways first. He admitted, his voice softening, “You’re right, Dad. If I didn’t listen, I could have been hurt.” I used this teaching moment to explain that God had given us to him as his parents and that it was our responsibility to teach him what was right.

Over time, we noticed a change in our son’s attitude. He was more willing to listen, more respectful in his responses, and even began showing leadership qualities among his siblings, often reminding them gently to “listen to Mom and Dad.” We reinforced this behavior with positive encouragement, praising him whenever he respected authority and pointing out how it led to better outcomes for everyone.

Teach your children to honor their parents as the first authority figures in their lives. Help them understand that obeying and respecting their parents is a way to honor God. Encourage them to listen, follow instructions, and speak kindly. Encourage your children to respect their teachers, coaches, and other authority figures. Remind them that these individuals are there to help them grow, learn, and succeed. Teach them to show appreciation, follow rules, and be polite. Explain that leaders need wisdom and guidance, and it’s our responsibility to pray for them. Show them that praying for leaders is a way to support them and honor God’s command.

Dear Father, thank You for the leaders and authority figures You have placed in our lives. Help us to respect them and to honor Your command to submit to authority. Give us wisdom to know when to stand firm in what is right and grace to show respect in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.