I show respect when ...

• I listen to what a child has to say.
• I take time for a child when I am very busy.
• I play with the children.
• I recognize the children's accomplishments.
• I allow the children to settle disputes between themselves.
• I listen to a special song with the children.
• I show interest in a child's project.
• I make eye contact with each child.
• I encourage the children to express different viewpoints.
• I allow the children to make choices.
• I let the children have privacy.
• I consider each child a unique individual.
• I call the children by their names.
• I encourage independence.
• I respond to the children's questions.
• I do not interrupt a child who is talking.
• I respect a child's choice of friends and play equipment.
• I allow the children to make mistakes.
• I am flexible.
• I let the children disagree.
• I care for the children's property.
• I allow transition time.
• I listen to a child's problem and realize how upsetting the situation can be for him/her.
• I talk to the children as people.
• I give each child a chance to communicate.
• I ask a child for his/her solution to a problem.
• I value the children's opinion.
• I remember that play is of great importance in each child's life.

I am disrespectful when ...

• I do not take a child's opinion seriously.
• I avoid dealing with an issue that a child feels needs immediate attention.
• I walk away from a child while he/she is crying.
• I do not stop to listen.
• I respond with "uh-huh".
• I use a "baby-talk" tone of voice with younger children.
• I use angry words when I am under stress.
• I cut a child's conversation short.
• I finish tasks for the children in order to hasten time.
• I forget to follow through on something that I promised.
• I answer questions for the children.
• I behave impatiently.
• I respond to a child sarcastically.
• I shout.
• I force a child into a situation in which he/she is uncomfortable.
• I set my expectations to high.
• I rush the children.
• I call the child names (e.g., stupid).
• I become frustrated because the children's needs interfere with my schedule.
• I focus on children's bad behaviours.
• I belittle the children's feelings.
• I sneak up on a child who is doing something wrong.
• I ignore the children.
• I stop a child who is really interested in completing a project.
• I don't allow a child to explain why or how a friend got hurt, or how an accident occurred.

Thanks to Maureen Hall, C.C.W., B.A., Manager Community Based Programs, Seven Towers Non-Profit Family Day Care Inc., for contributing this material.

Adapted from an article by Stacie G. Goffin (1989) titled, "How Well Do We Respect the Children in Our Care?" in Childhood Education.vol. 66, p. 71. Adapted with the permission of S. G. Goffin and the Association for Childhood Education International, 11501 Georgia Avenue, Suite 315, Wheaton, MD. Copyright © 1989 by the Association. This Resource Sheet may be photocopied and/or material inserted to other publications if credit is given and a copy forwarded to the Canadian Child Care Federation, 120 Holland Avenue, Suite 306, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 0X6. Telephone (613) 729-5289, Fax (613) 729-3159, Winter 1995.