Ignore children when they become disrespectful. Teach them that the behavior won't get them the results they want. Attempting to reason with them or stoping the disrespectful "tone" by correcting them, can have negative results, actually making them more disrespectful.

Always respond right away when a child addresses you with respect. Treat her with maturity when she does. Tell her that she's behaving very well and that you're proud of the way she's acting and speaking sometimes.

Stick to your "no." After you tell a child "no," don't go back on what you said later, even if he gets upset and you want to make him happy. It will do damage in the long run to have a flimsy "no."

Address the child with respect, even when you're stressed or upset. Modeling is an incredibly effective way to teach a child good behavior.

Express gratitude both to your child and in front of your child. Say how grateful you are to have a wonderful child like him. Thank him when he does something nice for you. When he thanks you, respond "you're welcome," in a happy, sincere tone with a big smile.

Find ways to get the child invested in what she gets. If she wants to have piano lessons, for example, have her write a list of why she wants it and what she'll achieve from it. Assign her chores to pay for her piano lessons. Even something simple like setting the table will teach her that you get things when you work for them. Not everything can be handed to you.

Reinforce positive behavior on a regular basis. Praise a child who remembers to say "thank you." Give her a big hug when she does something nice for someone.