1
Notice
What is happening? Is there another person's boundary, turn, space, property or point of view to consider?
Parent and Teacher Guide
What Is Respect for Kids?
Respect becomes easier for children to understand when it is connected to real things such as listening, boundaries, belongings, shared spaces and the way people speak during disagreements. Respect should work in both directions. Children can ask questions, disagree and protect their own boundaries while still treating other people thoughtfully.
The short answer
A child friendly definition of respect
Respect means treating people, boundaries, belongings and shared spaces with consideration.
It includes listening, speaking thoughtfully, asking permission when appropriate and recognising that another person may have different needs, preferences or views. Respect is not the same as automatic agreement.
A simple four part idea
Notice, Listen, Consider, Respond
These steps help turn the word respect into choices children can recognise in everyday situations.
2
Listen
Give the other person enough room to communicate instead of deciding what they mean before they finish.
3
Consider
Think about both people's needs. Respect is not one person always giving way to the other.
4
Respond
Choose words or actions that are clear and considerate, even when the answer is no or the two people disagree.
Everyday respect
What respect can look like for a child
Listening to another voice
Letting somebody finish does not mean agreeing. It gives their words enough space to be heard.
Asking before touching
Respect can be as simple as asking before borrowing, moving or using something that belongs to somebody else.
Using the name someone asks you to use
Names are personal. Using the correct name is one small way children can show that another person matters.
Looking after places everyone uses
Putting things back, reducing unnecessary mess and caring for shared objects shows consideration for the people who come next.
Allowing another opinion
Children can say “I think something different” without mocking or trying to make the other person feel foolish.
Accepting a reasonable no
If somebody does not want a hug, wants their toy back or asks for space, respecting the boundary can be the thoughtful response.
Premium story preview
Junior and the Lesson of Respect
Junior is the main TinyTales character connected to Respect. His stories use conversations, choices and everyday interactions to show that consideration is something characters practise rather than simply demand from one another.
Meet the Respect character
Junior helps make respectful choices visible
Junior's Respect connection includes listening, manners and consideration, but the wider trait also covers boundaries, belongings, disagreement and shared spaces. That gives families more to discuss than simply remembering polite words.
Respect
Premium story preview
Ages 3 to 10
An important distinction
Respect does not mean unquestioning obedience
Children can ask why, disagree respectfully, say that something feels uncomfortable and keep reasonable personal boundaries. Respect should work in both directions between children, adults and peers. It should never be used to tell a child to ignore unsafe behaviour, unwanted touch or unfair treatment.
Conversation starters
Questions that help children explore respect
Pick one or two and focus on what each person needed rather than searching for one perfect answer.
Did everybody get a chance to speak?
Was there a boundary that needed to be noticed?
Could the characters disagree without being unkind?
Did anyone use or move something without asking?
What would make the shared space work better for everyone?
Was there a respectful way for the child to say no?
Explore the trait
Respect stories, characters and activities
This definition guide strengthens the existing TinyTales Respect collection without duplicating the Trait page.
Respect Stories for Kids
Explore the complete Respect trait collection with Junior, connected stories, videos and activities.
Explore Respect →Meet Junior
Junior is the main TinyTales character connected to Respect, thoughtful listening and consideration.
Meet Junior →Respect Jar
Use ten real life prompts about listening, boundaries, belongings, shared spaces and different opinions.
Play the Free Respect Jar →The Respectful Voices Search
Play a free word search with words including listen, care, space, voice, rules, choice, kind and trust.
Play the Free Word Search →Junior Listens with Respect
Use a free colouring activity where Junior puts away his pocket watch and gives another person his attention.
Start the Free Colouring Activity →Junior and the Sleeping Coral Road
Preview another Respect story featuring Junior and a problem that needs patience, attention and consideration.
Preview the Story →Junior Fixes the Turn Hex
Preview a Respect video about turns, listening and making room for other characters.
Preview the Video →What Is Kindness for Kids?
Compare Respect with Kindness and explore how care, boundaries and consideration overlap without meaning exactly the same thing.
Read the Kindness Guide →Frequently asked questions
Respect for kids
What is respect for kids?
Respect for kids means treating people, boundaries, belongings and shared spaces with consideration. It includes listening, speaking thoughtfully and recognising that other people may have different needs or views.
Does respect mean children must always agree with adults?
No. Children can disagree, ask questions and express boundaries respectfully. Healthy respect works both ways and does not require a child to ignore discomfort or accept unfair treatment.
What are examples of respect for children?
Examples include listening while someone speaks, asking before touching belongings, using someone's correct name, caring for a shared space, accepting a different opinion and respecting a reasonable boundary.
Is respect the same as politeness?
They overlap but are not identical. Politeness often involves manners and courteous words. Respect is broader and includes boundaries, listening, consent, belongings, different viewpoints and how people treat one another.
How can stories teach children respect?
Stories show respect in action through conversations, conflicts and choices. Children can compare helpful and unhelpful behaviour and discuss how characters can disagree while still considering one another.
Start with one respectful choice
Try the Respect Jar together, then notice one moment where listening, a boundary or another person's belongings need a little extra consideration.