If your child did something wrong to you or to someone else, you would expect them to apologise. The same goes for you. If you want your son or daughter to learn valuable lessons about taking responsibility you need to take responsibly for your own wrong doings.
What saying sorry teaches your child:
Adults make mistakes too
When you apologise, it shows your child that yes, adults make mistakes too - but we too can put things right. It is important they understand that the same rules apply to you and that everyone is equal.
Teaches forgiveness
How can your child learn to forgive if they never have to? Saying sorry not only helps your youngster recognise that you made a mistake, but it also teaches them how to forgive someone who does something wrong against them.
Accepting responsibility
Saying sorry does not make you look weak to your child. In fact, it makes them see think 'well if mummy can see when she does something wrong, I can too'.
Not to cover up a mistake
Saying sorry to your son or daughter not only shows them how to take responsibility for a wrong doing, it also teaches them that it is important not to cover up when they do something wrong. If you realise you have made a mistake a few or even a couple of days later, you should own up. This way your little one will recognise that it is never too late to say sorry.
When to say sorry
Saying sorry shouldn’t just be when you give out to them for no reason or when you assume they have done something wrong when they haven’t. It also should be a word you use when you ignore your child’s questions or when you turn off their programme just so you can watch yours - that kind of thing.
Mums want their kids to grow up selfless and be sensitive and empathic towards others, so it is important you act on what you preach.
