"We are a family, and we talk to each other using kind words."

Although TV, social media, and the many other influences our older children are exposed to may set a bad example, we must be the balancing voice that reinforces that speaking impolitely to others is unacceptable.

Respond to children who are unkind to you or to each other by saying, "We are a family, and we talk to each other using kind words." It's also perfectly acceptable for us to tell our tweens and teens when they've hurt our feelings.

When it comes to developing empathy, it is critical to challenge them to consider how their words and actions affect others. They should learn to grow up if they want to be treated that way. We demonstrate this by defining what is disrespectful and hurtful and consistently enforcing the consequences when they cross the line.