›Please‹, ›thank you‹ and ›sorry‹ are simple yet meaningful words that are used far too rarely in everyday life. Yet they form the foundation of respectful and harmonious family life. Children do not learn these words on their own – they follow our example and adopt them through imitation. When we consciously ask for something, express gratitude, and apologize for mistakes, we teach our children values that will stay with them throughout their lives. When you apologize to your children, they learn that making mistakes is human and that it is important to take responsibility. An apology eases tensions and restores peace within the family, allowing play and laughter to come back into focus. Small rituals, such as saying »Thank you for helping me put the shopping away.« or a kind »Please put four plates on the table.« foster a sense of togetherness within the family. The years with your children pass quickly, and the shared memories of this time become the foundation for a lifelong, positive relationship between all family members – even if their paths one day lead them in different directions.

Love, respect, and trust are the foundation of family cohesion, even in difficult situations. Differences of opinion are a normal part of every family, especially when living together with children. Children learn from us how to handle conflicts. They develop the ability to stand up for their own points of view, understand the perspectives of others, and communicate respectfully. It is important to maintain a respectful approach, even in challenging moments. Children closely observe how parents resolve their conflicts, whether with their partner or other people, and they adopt this behavior. A respectful culture of conflict resolution teaches children that differences of opinion are normal and do not threaten the sense of security within the family. Disagreements do not mean the end of a relationship; they are simply part of living together. Even when frustration runs high, we should always be mindful not to use swear words or hurtful terms. This requires mindfulness and a willingness to reflect on our own behavior repeatedly. It can happen that children use swear words they have picked up somewhere. As parents, it is our job not to ignore such language but to talk openly with our children about it. Children should understand why respectful words matter: Hurtful language can harm others, ostracize them, and lower their confidence. Such words can intensify conflicts rather than resolve them. Children need to learn that language has a powerful impact and that respectful words are the key to healthy and positive relationships.