As parents, you pray one day your kids will understand the power of apologizing. Until then, you continue to work on their hearts, hoping you do your best to set a good example.
So… how do you set a good example?
The best way to set a good example is to model it first. Kids mirror your behavior.
If you don’t apologize to your kids, they’re probably going to be reluctant to apologize to you.
As parents, it is good to learn how to apologize to your kids so they will have a good relationship with you not only now but also in the future. If you are still not convinced, here are five reasons to help you understand the power of apologizing.
The Power of Apologizing: 5 Things Happen When You Don’t Say Sorry
Check out these five things that can happen when you choose not to apologize to your child. In fact, you may be shocked at some of the long-term consequences that can happen when you don’t take the time to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
1. It sabotages the relationship
You will sabotage the relationship with your child long-term if you don’t learn the power of apologizing now.
Over the years, unresolved conflict can turn into resentment, bitterness, and even hatred.
In fact, a wedge may be created that never gets resolved.
Furthermore, after years of offenses, you may not know how to start unraveling the problem, even if you go to counseling. Many times the past is blurred by time and emotions. Sadly, no one remembers the details enough to get a clear picture of what happened.
However, there is one thing your child will remember when he is older–how you made him feel when he was young.
Take into account and listen to how your child feels about your behavior. Chances are there are things you can improve like your tone of voice, gestures, not interrupting, or nonverbal responses.
I was the worst at interrupting my kids. Definitely had to apologize for that.
Never underestimate the power of apologizing. It will reap dividends later in your relationship.
RELATED: The Greatest Secret to Having Healthy Family Relationships
2. It creates a double standard
Learn to say “sorry” so you don’t create a double standard. At an early age, most parents start introducing the concept of “I’m sorry.” This is usually introduced before the age of five.
By this time, kids are learning a sense of justice.
They understand an offense and possibly how to make amends for their bad behavior. They know when they bite, hit, lie, or throw sand in someone’s face, it’s wrong.
When you do something that is obviously wrong to your child (yell, swear, slap, threaten, verbal or physical abuse, etc.), your child automatically thinks the same thing. There should be an apology. And change.
It is a logical deduction.
When you don’t apologize (and change), you create an incredible amount of confusion because your child sees that adults don’t have to obey the same rules when it comes to taking responsibility for actions.
God has one standard for sin. It is repentance. And it includes everyone in the family.
RELATED: How to Stop Yelling at Your Kids: 7 Easy Tips to Be a Calm Parent
3. It sets you up as God
Apologizing to your child is important so you do not set yourself up as God.
When you do not humbly admit wrongs, you become all-powerful and omnipotent in the family. Your kids may even develop fear towards you as there is nothing to stop you from doing whatever you want without consequence.
Furthermore, your child will have a hard time separating God and dad/mom as different entities since both are all-powerful. This confusion can easily get dragged into adulthood causing spiritual disillusionment and anger towards our Heavenly Father.
The best thing you can do as a parent is to practice repentance so that your kids don’t ever confuse your behavior with God’s behavior.
1 John 1:8 says, “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth” (NLT).
RELATED: 5 Reasons to Forgive Those Who Hurt You (Even If They Don’t Deserve It)
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4. It negates a teachable moment
Apologizing to your child is an opportunity to take advantage of a teachable moment. When you say sorry, you set a good example of how to make things right when you have acted badly.
You not only restore the relationship but you also reinforce the fact that you are not perfect. And that is okay. You have made yourself human and show that part of life is humbly apologizing, making changes, and asking for forgiveness.
In fact, the power of apologizing to your kids is not just in saying sorry, it’s in the forgiveness. If you don’t own your bad behavior, they won’t have an opportunity to practice forgiveness.
Sadly, you have now set your children up to believe once they are an adult, they no longer have to apologize since you don’t, nor do they know how to forgive easily.
This, in turn, starts a generational stronghold.
Many times, it takes fasting and lots of prayers to break a generational stronghold of this magnitude.
RELATED: Feeling like a Failure as a Parent? 6 Tips to Overcome Mom Guilt
5. It creates a lack of respect
Understanding the power of apologizing is important so you create a common understanding of respect for each other. Children are smart. They know bad behavior when they see it.
Even young kids know yelling, threatening, pouting, silent treatment, intimidation, domination, etc. are not right. They cry, recoil, and go into self-protection mode due to fear and shame when a parent comes after them.
You can split hairs and rationalize all day about how adults are the ones in charge and they shouldn’t be questioned, but I ask you to step back and look at yourself.
If you could watch yourself on video, what would you see? Would you be able to show that video to your friends?
Think about whether you have created quiet contempt or heartfelt respect and admiration in the heart of your child.
You can demand respect from your children through compliance, but you can’t demand respect from their hearts.
That is earned.
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When to Say Sorry and When Not to
If you have done something wrong, then it is important to apologize to your child.
However, if you know you are not wrong, then you can still listen to your child’s feelings. Sometimes kids just need to be validated for how they feel about your decision.
Teenagers, especially, have a heightened sense of justice when they are wronged, so it is important to talk through the issues. This is why you need to understand the power of apologizing.
Over time, they may hold a grudge and become difficult to deal with if you do not address the problem. Furthermore, they may obsess over the offense and fall into self-pity or even depression.
Keep talking. Listen a lot. Stand firm on what is right but do it with love.
Rules without a relationship equal rebellion.
RELATED: The Ultimate Secret on How to Deal With a Difficult Child
How Do You Apologize With Dignity?
If you are going to understand the power of apologizing to your child, then you might want to remember these 3 tips:
1. Admit what you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness.
Don’t say,” If I hurt you, I’m sorry,” or “If you would have put your shoes on, I wouldn’t have yelled.”
A better example is something like, “Mommy lost her temper. I am so sorry. I should not have acted that way. Will you forgive me. I will do better next time.”
The second sentence takes ownership of behavior while the first sentence lacks true repentance for bad behavior. A good apology is one that owns the offense, asks for forgiveness, and makes effort to change in the future.
2. Don’t blame or shame your child.
Even though your kid may be annoying or disobedient for the tenth time, don’t shift the blame to him when you have lost your cool. Furthermore, don’t shame him with careless words like “If you weren’t so bad, I wouldn’t have to yell at you all the time.”
Make sure your words are words of love and healing, not blame and shame. After that, appropriately deal with the disobedience.
RELATED: How to Discipline Kids: 29 Proven Strategies (For All Ages) That Work!
3. It is not about winning and losing
Parenting is a relationship, not a wrestling match.
Stop thinking you are on opposing teams. You are in this together as a family. You either all work together or you become fractured.
Don’t ignore the power of apologizing (and changing). It covers a multitude of sins and heals broken hearts.
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Why is Apologizing Important?
If you will readily apologize for your behavior, then your child will probably be more willing to do the same. Every once in a while, you may get a child who is obstinate and won’t say sorry when he is wrong.
Start praying when this happens.
Pray the Holy Spirit breaks through and gets to their heart.
In the meantime, work on yourself.
If there have been gross offenses along the way, take care of it now.
I encourage you to pray and truly ask God where you can improve your relationship with your kids. Perhaps it’s time to take inventory and be honest with yourself. It is okay if you have messed up. The important thing is to get it right.
This is about you. It is time to own up and set an example so your child will follow.
Understanding the power of apologizing is important when you parent. Do you say sorry? Comment below.
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31 Comments
This is so good. I really enjoyed reading the other thoughts on this. Apologizing to our children and hearing their heart had been so important to us. The older they get I realize just how hard we have tried to be godly parents and how we have still fallen so short. It is hard to know and do everything right. Thank you for sharing and for your visit to my blog also.
Rachel,
Thank you so much for your comments. It is so hard swallowing our pride and saying sorry. But, oh, is it worth it in the long run! The power of apologizing to our kids is incredible. It will reap dividends years later.
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This is really good! Apologizing to our children does build trust and respect within their hearts. Thank you for this post! ❤
Thanks so much for commenting.
Modeling apologetic behavior is so important! This is a great topic. You’ve provided a lot of great advice!
Thank you for taking time to comment.
I love this!!!
Glad you liked it. Thanks for reading.
This is such a hard thing to do, not only to apologize to our children, but to anyone. Thank you for this insightful approach to setting a healthy example!
Yes, I find swallowing your pride isn’t too easy. Thanks for reading.
Leading by example is important but it was my toddler who actually taught me how to apologize. At a young age, he knows how to say sorry when his wrong and made me realize I should do the same when I’m having bad days. I believe there are a lot of things an adult also has to learn from a child because of their innocence and pure heart. Great read, Julie. Loved this post!
Thanks for being so honest. I appreciate your comment. I am sure you are an awesome mom who is real and can still be loving. Thanks for reading.
I love all your points. As a parent, I try to apologize every time I snap, or get mad or I know I hurt their feelings. I think by doing so I show them I am human and also make mistakes
Yes, so true. We are all human. You are setting a good example for your kids.
Wrong is wrong and I think when we show our kids we can own up to our mistakes and apologize it is so beneficial for their growth!
We certainly don’t stop growing when we turn into an adult. I am glad you can be vulnerable wit your kids.
I loved reading this. I have my bad mom moments, but I always try to make sure my son is understanding why I was upset and how sorry I was that I had to react. These are great stepping stones to an amazing relationship with your children.
Thank you for taking the time to read it. Glad you communicate to your kids when you are upset.
Such a great read. I think apologizing really comes down to leading by example. If an adult can’t apologize to their child, how on earth can we expect our kids to authentically apologize to us – or anyone?! I think it’s also okay to let them know we aren’t perfect and can make mistakes but we are doing our very best 🙂
Yes, leading by example is the best way to go. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Apologizing to our children shows them that we make mistakes too. It also models how to apologize for them!
I am grateful you model how to apologize. It isn’t easy. Thank you for reading this.
I fully agree with this! My husband and I have talked many times about not setting a standard of perfection for our kids, which means admitting that we all have faults and taking ownership of them by admitting to them and apologizing. Our daughter has taken it a step further by apologizing FOR us lately, though (She will tell me “Daddy’s sorry” or something similar lol). Always a process…
Ha Ha! That’s really cute. I have never heard a child apologizing for the parent. I think she gets it. Thank you for reading this.
Apologising to our children is essential. I like to call it repair. so important to a healthy relationship
Repair is a great word. None of can go through life without a little repair here and there. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Interesting post on parenting! I don’t have children yet, but I think it’s important for parents to admit when they are wrong and use it as a teaching opportunity and moment of humility. Great post!
Thank you for reading it!