I Apologize to My Kids — And You Should Too

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Today began with my son waking up at 6:00 AM and my daughter stirring at 7:00. By 9:30, I found myself yelling, with harsh words slipping from my mouth and tears rolling down my eldest’s cheeks. She was hurt by our argument and my reaction. While the specifics of the situation aren’t crucial, I won’t excuse my behavior. I was frustrated, and so was she. Our home is currently filled with numerous stressors, making it feel like a chaotic circus. Despite this, I strive to do my best every day. After taking a moment to calm down, we reconnected, and my first words were, “I’m sorry.”

I expressed regret for my actions and acknowledged my inappropriate behavior. Why? Because it’s essential for her to understand that even adults make mistakes. It’s crucial that she learns about the spectrum of human emotions and how to respond appropriately. I want her to grasp the importance of accountability and validation. I want her to know that her feelings are heard and understood.

Pediatrician and child care expert Dr. Mark Thompson emphasizes, “Though it may seem obvious, the most effective way to teach your children desired behaviors is to model them yourself.” When we acknowledge our mistakes and apologize, it teaches children that this act is significant and shows them how to do it. Apologizing becomes less of a taboo and more of a heartfelt gesture.

The way we apologize — the words we choose, our tone, and the sentiment behind it — conveys the importance of this act. However, it can be challenging, especially towards children. Kids are often taught to respect adults and listen to authority. How many times have you heard “because I said so”? Many of us grew up in environments where parents were seen as all-knowing figures. But what if we adopted a more teaching approach instead of a commanding one? What if we embraced our vulnerabilities and imperfections, demonstrating to our children that it’s okay to be flawed?

Apologizing to our children fosters compassion and kindness. We all err, but we can work to make amends. Saying “I’m sorry” is an act of humility that can uplift others. Admitting our faults signifies strength. The most powerful individuals are those who can acknowledge their weaknesses and mistakes. A well-articulated apology can help children better understand and manage their emotions.

“I’m sorry for yelling this morning. I was overwhelmed with work and took it out on you, but that doesn’t justify my words or actions.” Apologizing also teaches our kids about grace. Mistakes are part of life, and we must learn to accept and forgive ourselves.

Dr. Thompson notes, “Apologizing isn’t always easy; it’s often uncomfortable. Yet, that’s why it’s so important. The most significant growth in life often comes from overcoming challenges. Relationships are strengthened when conflicts are addressed rather than ignored.” While many of us would prefer to avoid discomfort, the power of an apology is undeniable.

While it’s easy to react with anger or authority, parenting with compassion is truly admirable. Leading by example and offering sincere apologies teaches our children invaluable lessons about empathy and humanity.

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In summary, apologizing to our children is a fundamental aspect of parenting that teaches them accountability, compassion, and the value of humility. By admitting our mistakes, we model the behavior we hope to see in them.