I’ve got a glaring character flaw—an incredibly short fuse. Add my tendency toward perfectionism, which I’m constantly trying to manage but often fail at, and you’ll find me in the awkward position of being undeniably wrong.
I’ve genuinely lost track of how many times I’ve had to apologize to my kids after throwing a fit that could rival their worst tantrums from the terrible twos. Now that they’re in their tween and teen years, our lives have become a whirlwind of chaos and stress, leading to more shouting than I’d like to admit—but I’m here to underscore a vital point.
Growing up in a household filled with yelling, I can’t recall ever hearing my parents say they were sorry. As a child, that lack of acknowledgment made me feel small and less important. Consequently, I entered my own parenting journey with the misguided belief that my word was the ultimate authority. It took a while, along with seeing my own childhood emotions mirrored in my kids, for me to realize that they truly needed to hear me say “I’m sorry.”
There’s a debate about whether parents should apologize to their children, but I firmly believe we should. Here’s why:
- Apologizing Teaches Empathy: When our kids mess up, we’re quick to remind them, “You need to say you’re sorry.” Children absorb lessons not just from our words but also from our actions. If I’ve wronged my kids, I owe it to them to admit my fault and apologize. By doing so, I’m modeling for them the importance of acknowledging mistakes, showcasing when, why, and how apologies are made.
- Apologizing Indicates Respect: Kids are not just little beings; they are individuals with feelings. If I have the decency to apologize to an adult I’ve wronged, then why wouldn’t I extend that same courtesy to my children? Failing to apologize sends a message that they aren’t worth my acknowledgment, and I never want my kids to feel disrespected.
- Apologizing Keeps Us Humble: I love that I am in a constant state of learning. I am far from perfect, and I discover new lessons almost daily—many stemming from my parenting experiences. Recognizing when I’ve acted inappropriately and taking the opportunity to apologize is a teachable moment for both of us. I want to remain open to growth and learning.
- Apologizing Shows Our Humanity: Just like them, we make mistakes. Parenting is not a flawless endeavor, and I hope to instill in my children the understanding that even their most beloved adults can err. I want them to know that it’s possible to do wrong and then make things right.
I will undoubtedly continue to stumble as both a person and a parent. The key is remembering to apologize when it’s warranted—it’s simply the right thing to do. If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this post about fertility boosters for men, as well as this authority on the couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination. And for anyone navigating pregnancy, this resource is a great place to start.
In summary, acknowledging our mistakes as parents not only teaches our children the value of apologies but also fosters respect, humility, and an understanding of our shared humanity.
Keyphrase: Apologizing to Children
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