How to Teach Kids to Respect Police Officers

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A lot of us learned about people in our neighborhood from Mr. Rogers. Fred Rogers used to say one of his life lessons came from his mom. “When you see something scary,” she said, “Look for the helpers.” Maybe that lesson inspired the character of Officer Clemmons, a black man who grew up in the 60’s and struggled with his own view of police officers. He turned his own real hardships into a force for good in the lives of children, becoming one of the “human helpers” on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. In our kids’ world, it’s more challenging to look for good guys. We’re not always sure who the helpers are.

When Fred Rogers was encouraging children to “Look for the helpers,” law enforcement officers still made the hero list in common culture. Today, the actions of a limited number have impacted the reputation of all. Families on both sides of the badge have been left hurting, and children are confused.

What can a mom do to teach her kids to respect police officers?

As we teach children to “Look for the helpers,” we still want them to look for police officers and know they’ll find help. We may not have an emperor today, but God has put rulers and governments in place. “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:13-17)

We can take simple steps to teach our kids to respect police.

Say hello to officers you pass by and talk to those you know
Be respectful to officers when you encounter them
Explain what the Bible says about God appointing people in authority
Look for opportunities to serve those who serve (cookies, cards, etc)
Visit your local police department or law enforcement museum (FBI, memorials, etc)
Read an article about how police officers helped someone in your community
Go to a parade and watch local law enforcement pass by (Salute them!)
Tie a blue ribbon around a tree/porch/mail box?
Pray for law enforcement and families (safety, observation, wisdom, compassion, integrity, peace)
Talk about laws in a respectful way and them, as well as requests of law enforcement (guards at a mall, traffic cops, school traffic officer, security officers, immigration officials, etc.)

A child’s attitude towards police begins with a parent’s attitude toward police. Do children hear irritation in your voice about police? How about the school traffic cop? Security at the airport? A guard posted at a public place? A parent’s sarcasm or disregard toward law enforcement produces a child’s disrespect toward law enforcement. Our children will not respect those in authority over them if we don’t.

But what about when police aren’t the helpers? And what about the few guilty of hurting others? Since we’re called to love our enemies, such circumstances give us opportunity to talk about how no one has a pure heart without Jesus; we all have the capacity to hurt others when we don’t follow God’s ways. When conflict and impulse overrules compassion and integrity, people are hurt, even if a person wears a badge. In those tragic moments, we can pray for those who have authority.

Here are 10 ways to pray with your children.

Pray for police officers

to love justice
to balance law with compassion and understanding
to be brave in the face of evil
to have wisdom to know when to act
to follow laws in their own conduct
to love truth and always tell the truth
to be observant and see what they need to see
to create good relationships with people they serve
to have honest, wise leadership
to be humble and cooperate with each other

When it comes to the scary things of the world, moms, we share the same desire. We don’t want our kids to face evil, but they will. So when they do, we want them to look to God as the Great Helper and to look around them for earthly helpers. A child’s attitude towards police begins with a parent’s attitude toward police.

Let’s teach our children to respect those in authority and to honor ones willing to protect others when scary things come.

Has your family done something to encourage your local law enforcement?

Suggested Resources for Children about Police Officers:

Keeping You Safe: A Book About Police Officers (Preschool to 3rd grade)
Police: Hurrying! Helping! Saving! (Preschool to Kindergarten)
This fascinating video about the real Officer Clemmons.
I read this excellent post from another Julie after I had written my post. You’ll see we not only share our name, but we share some of the same inspiration. She includes great ideas about how to THANK a police officer, with a FREE printable!
Another passage of verses about cooperating with authorities: Romans 13:1-7.

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Julie Sanders

Julie Sanders and her husband just relocated from the land of sweet tea to the Inland Northwest. The mom of two college students, Julie loves mentoring women around the world, bringing justice to the vulnerable, and teaching God’s truths for life. Julie was blessed when seasoned moms walked the marriage and motherhood journey with her and is grateful “grace abounded much more” (Rom. 5:20) than her failures. She is passionate about fighting human trafficking and is the author of Expectant: 40 Devotions for New and Expectant Moms. Join Julie at Come Have a Peace, on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, and don't miss Marriage Mondays. She invites you to contact her about speaking at your women's event or mommy meeting. www.juliesanders.org