by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: February 10, 2009

Stopping the Sass

Sassy children abound today, especially on television situation comedies. These sitcom smart alecks earn top billing for the quick-witted remarks they issue towards their seemingly dim-witted parents. Precocious youngsters interrupt their parents with snappy and snotty quips, as the laugh-track erupts in the background.

Are these kids cute or downright disrespectful? Are these the role models parents desire for today's kids?

Have we raised a generation of jesters, who would not recognize respectfulness, if it met them behind the woodshed?

Perhaps, as parents, we are reaping what we have sown. Disrespect certain breeds disrespect. Snide comments, sour sarcasm and a disdainful tone of voice can only create more of the same.

Maybe it's time for parents to speak into the looking-glass.

Now that the proverbial monster has been created, how can we, as mothers and fathers, return respect and court courtesy into our homes?

Parents Set an Example.

Some families do seem to operate with mutual respect and common courtesy. Although family members may argue occasionally, these conflicts may be resolved without disrespectful backtalk, foul phrasings or character assassinations.

What is the secret to such success in the home? Look at the parents. They treat one another with respect. They treat their children with respect. They model respect in the family and in all they do.

Children watch parents closely. How do Mom and Dad speak to one another? Do they interrupt each other? Do they respond with snappy comebacks or courteous comments?

How do these parents treat neighbors, friends, extended family members and colleagues? How do they respond to rude individuals in the marketplace or in traffic?

Can we expect children to speak respectfully, if parents are unable or unwilling to do so?

Prevention Is Ideal.

Consider the computer. If the user loads corrupted files into the memory system, then the computer will perform poorly.

What if parents regarded their children as highly as their computers? What if we kept a closer watch on our children's choices of friends and social activities? What if we carefully examined the music, television programs, magazines, video games, movies, websites and other entertainment our children chose?

Smart Punishment Fits the Crime

Certainly, some children may be predisposed to present challenges to parents. Others may simply chose to test the waters of sassiness and try parents' limits.

When parents must step in with discipline for disrespect and backtalk,

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