If you haven't yet heard about the viral YouTube video that hit this week, titled, "Making the Bus Monitor Cry," consider yourself lucky. The video shows a group of seventh grade boys ridiculing, verbally abusing and even poking an elderly bus monitor. The language and the hatred from these young boys is appalling and so difficult to watch that I couldn't even finish the entire 10 minute video.

Luckily, the story has a good news ending for the monitor, Karen Klein, who was the bus driver for 20 years before switching to becoming a monitor – which, frighteningly means that she was there to help control the children on the bus. Clearly, she had a tough job. But take heart, good and decent humans do exist – here's the New York Times story about how more than $500,000 has now been raised to help the 68-year-old victim recover from this incident and "take the vacation of a lifetime."

The bigger issue here for me is how children today can not only be so hateful (kids have always been cruel), but how they have absolutely no respect for an adult – and an elderly person at that. I was raised to respect my elders, and to be helpful and kind to older generations even when I was mad about being disciplined or not getting my way. How do we teach children today – who are used to instant gratification, constant stimulation and getting their own way while busy parents just want them out of their hair – to recognize when bad behavior has gone too far? Clearly, children are going to misbehave – that's how we all learn – but I grapple with the complete lack of sensitivity for another human being in a situation like Ms. Klein's.

How will these boys in the video learn respect? Let's be honest, they had no respect for this woman and even if punished, they are very unlikely to gain any. They had an air of defiance, hatred and condescening superiority. Where did they learn this? Where do they get the feeling that they are so above any consequence that the would dare to not only talk to an adult this way – but to record it, mug for the camera and post it for all to see? Do their parents talk to - or about - other adults that way? Do they consider themselves "above others" and teach that message through their actions - maybe even "innocent" dinner conversation about the neighbors or an annoying boss? Truth be told, it isn't just the parental upbringing – it's the society that we live in. Children are raised to believe that everyone's a winner, adults can be sued (even their own parents!) and that even if you did something wrong, you're entitled to walk away with more than you started with.

So how do you teach your kids respect for others in a world where entitlement rules? Where you can do wrong and get away with it because grown ups don't want to get into a "sticky situation"? It may be too simple and "Father Knows Best of Me" to say, but I believe the best you can do is to teach through action. Words are nice, sure, but actions matter so much more – teach your children that there are consequences, even if they are only within your own heart, or between you and a God you believe in, or even via karma. Teach them empathy by showing it to others. Do something nice for someone and talk about karma. Show them that we are all fallible and human and flawed - and instead of making hurtful remarks, we should celebrate those "flawed" differences, because otherwise life would be boring. Our differences are what make us unique, etc. Don't let them hear you talk down to others, humiliate or ridicule someone. Don't use hurtful words.

Sounds simple. But I believe the only way to teach respect is to show respect – not just when you know your kids are watching and it's a "teachable moment." Every moment is teachable. Don't forget that everything you say and do is held in reverence by your children.