<p>The way you communicate with others matters. You should be respectful to everyone in your life, including people who are older than you and other kids. Keep reading to learn more about being respectful when you communicate.&nbsp;</p><h4>What Is Communication?</h4><p>Anytime you exchange information with someone, you are communicating. You communicate through speaking, writing, and even body language. Here are a few examples:</p><ul><li>Your mom calls upstairs to remind you to brush your teeth before bed.</li><li>Your friend texts you a funny joke</li><li>You explain to a friend why their comment hurt your feelings</li><li>You ask your teacher for more time to complete a project</li><li>You raise your hand when the teacher asks if there are any volunteers to clean the playground</li></ul><h4>Why Is Respectful Communication Important?</h4><p>When you communicate respectfully, you take the other person and their feelings into account. You're polite and avoid saying things that are only intended to upset the other person.</p><p>Respectful communication is important to your relationships with others. When you can have a respectful conversation, your relationship remains strong.&nbsp;</p><p>Respectful communication also helps you get what you want. People are more likely to listen to you when you're being respectful.</p><h4>Examples</h4><p>Let's look at what can happen when you communicate respectfully and when you don't.</p><h4>Respectful Communication</h4><p>Stacey got a bad grade on her test. She goes to talk to her teacher.</p><p><strong>Stacey:</strong> I'm not sure what happened on this test. I did the work and studied and I thought I knew the material. Would you mind going over it with me so I do better next time?</p><p><strong>Mrs. Randall:&nbsp;</strong>Of course. I'm happy to help you and I'll give you half credit for every problem you redo.</p><h4>Disrespectful Communication</h4><p>Stacy got a bad grade and she goes to talk to her teacher.</p><p><strong>Stacy:&nbsp;</strong>I don't know why I got this grade. I did all the work and studied. I don't think you taught it right. You should've gone over it more.</p><p><strong>Mrs. Randall:&nbsp;</strong>I'm sorry you feel that way. Maybe you'll have better luck next time.</p><p>In the first example, Stacy is able to improve her grade because she spoke to her teacher with respect.&nbsp;</p>