Teach your child to respect themselves. Self-respect is one of most important forms of respect. Once we respect ourselves, it is easier to respect others.

Your opinion means a lot to your child. If you believe your child can succeed, they will believe they can as well.

Build their independence. Give them responsibilities as soon as they can handle them.

Help them set and achieve goals. Their self-respect will skyrocket when they see themselves achieving those goals.

Encourage honesty. Let your child know that they may be able to fool some people, but they can’t fool themselves. There is no pride in stealing, cheating, or lying.

Most importantly, show love! Say ‘I love you” often and give plenty of hugs and kisses.

If your child makes a mistake, remind them that they are still loved.

Age affects children’s respect. Children and adults deserve respect at every age. Here is a guideline based on age:

Babies – They are too young to show respect but when you meet their needs, they learn to trust you. This helps as they get older because respect for authority is based on trust.

Toddlers – They are old enough to learn to say “please” and “thank you”.

Preschoolers – This is a good time to teach rules and consequences.

Elementary age – They show most respect for adults who make fair rules. It helps to let them have a say in rules that they are expected to follow.

Middle and High Schoolers – Allow them to show independence, such as clothing or hairstyles, but make sure you have guidelines. They will appreciate respect you are showing them. We respect you and incredible job that you have, being a parent.

Have a great day!

Steve McChesney

From very first day, it was clear this was going to be a really special experience for our family. We found a clean, friendly hotel, Red Planet, with a room big enough for six of us. It was $15 a night. Our window faced rear of a nightclub, and we giggled ourselves to sleep as Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson were blasted from speakers outside. One of our daughters became quite adept at unclogging toilet and bathtub drain.

We wandered curving streets, marveling at sights and sounds. Each meal was an adventure as we made it a point to invite single diners to join us. We met fascinating people of all ages from around world.

Highlights include dashing into a tiny Italian restaurant during our first two hours in Kathmandu as we were caught in a torrential downpour—our first rain since leaving Oregon. A hilarious but fairly sleepless night sharing a tea house room with rats. Children, especially young boys, trailing us everywhere we trekked. Breakfast on our roof with a breathtaking view of Annapurnas. Ducking to avoid spider webs dripping with dew while riding elephants in early morning. Exploring richly scented temples. Spontaneous dancing in streets.

We have never, ever laughed more than we did on that trip. I had to use an asthma inhaler—not for any allergies, but because I laughed so hard that I started wheezing! Every single day was full of absolute joy and discovery. It didn't matter in slightest what we were doing. We were together, we were exploring, and we were having time of our lives.

Granted, a road trip to southern Oregon isn't nearly as exotic. Still, what we learned in Nepal is magic of being in moment. Our kids discovered power of being present and open to whatever day may bring.

It's a priceless lesson we feel fortunate to have learned early. That trip was a gift that keeps on giving. It provided a shining example of true mindfulness for our growing daughters.

We're heading south. Our intention? To be together. To explore. And to laugh our heads off.

I'll bring my inhaler.