We have police officers and law enforcement in order to make sure that society is safe for everyone. Laws exist to give us a peaceful and happy existence, not to make problems. So often, we see stories on the news of children and teens that don’t respect the law, nor those who uphold it. This is often enough to get them into trouble, and when they get into it, many young people with this attitude can’t get out of it. Here’s how you can teach your children to respect the law, and prevent them from getting into trouble.

Show them right and wrong

Morals start at home, and you can ensure that your children know the difference between right and wrong at an early age. If they act badly, you shouldn’t just yell at them and shut them into their rooms. You should be prepared to sit down with them and ask them if they understand what they did wrong, and why you were angry. Explain to them what is wrong and what they should have done instead. Combine this with a punishment that is enforced consistently and you will raise them to understand the law. Not only will they know what happens if you break it, but they will also understand why it is there.

Allow consequences

As parents, we always want to protect our children, and will even stick up for them when they are in the wrong. However, there are times when we should let them suffer the consequences of their actions. Imagine a child who has never been told off. Whenever he gets into trouble at school, his parents march in and argue until there is no punishment for him. They praise him when these incidents happen and give him treats. As he grows up, will this child understand that there could be legal consequences to his actions? Of course not! He will also see police officers as no threat at all, which means he will act however he likes. This isn’t a great way to raise a child. Be fair and consistent – breaking the rules should always be met with punishment.

Be respectful

Children model themselves after us in many ways, and it’s important that we show them the right path in life. You should always be respectful when you interact with law enforcers, as this shows the child that you should be polite and pleasant with them. It’s no good if you complain about a police officer as soon as they are out of earshot, however. Maintain a positive attitude yourself and your child will pick up on this. Moan about law enforcement and how unfair it is for you to get a parking fine, and your child will learn that police officers are not to be respected.

Have a plan

If despite your best efforts your child fails to respect the law and those who enforce it – don't abandon it! As a great parent you must still do everything to protect your young ones when they need you most. If your children do end up getting arrested, you can contact experts such as LY Lawyers for the best legal help possible. But the important thing is to use this example to help your children understand that the law is serious. Getting arrested in itself should be a reason for them to become more respectful, not the other way around. By being surly, rude, or uncooperative, they can only make things worse. If more kids understood this from the get-go, there would not be as many problems with teen offenders. Give them a plan of what they should do if they ever got arrested, even for something that they didn’t do.

It’s very important that you try to bring the same message in all of your interactions with your child, that they should always do the right thing and be respectful.