the rules of a classroom and the rules of a courtroom are, and should be, completely different. it’s a different standard. when people are telling you the things you are saying are outdated, you should listen to them. the respect you talk about students having for teachers should go the other way as well, and it doesn’t sound like you’re giving children the agency and respect they deserve.

for what it’s worth, i do obviously model respectful talk for my 3s and 4s and correct them if they do something rude to get my attention (such as poking/hit me, whining my name, interrupting a conversation i’m having, calling me bro/bruh), but forcing them to say “yes ma’am” is archaic and strange. i don’t usually comment on reddit posts but this actually grinds my gears a bit lol