Feb 16, 2009

How To Apologize To Your Children

Do you apologize to your children if you lose your temper with them? Do you think it nullifies the event or do they respect you for it? I feel compelled to do it if I have been too harsh with my son. I think it reinforces our bond and the lesson at the same time.

As much as I try to be composed at all times, it’s just not realistic. If I feel my tone or actions have been over the top and confused or scared my son, I wait until later in the day and then talk to him about it. We talk about feeling frustrated and tired, and how sometimes we both overreact, but we still love each other. Then I remind him of an example of when he behaved badly and how I knew he still loved me anyway.

I have found that he still knows he needs to behave but he seems comforted that I don’t hold a grudge. It’s funny because now he is very aware of when he is feeling tired and will tell me he needs to rest. However, he also tells me when I’m tired and need a rest!

5 comments:

UniqueNurseGranny said...

It is a good thing to do when needed.good post.Parenting is such a difficult task in spite of many rewards..

DJ said...

@UniqueNurse: Thanks, and yes it can be trying.

Lisa Samples said...

I definitely apologize for the way I reacted, but am sure to explain why I was upset to begin with...

Holly said...

I have apologized to my son. I think because I say I'm sorry, that teaches him when to say it, too. Same way he learned to say thank you -- he heard me say it. But I probably should tell him I'm sorry more frequently than I do.

DJ said...

Lisa: That's important because sometimes it's not something he did and he should not feel bad because of it.
Holly: True, I've heard my son say he's "sorry" to almost everything in the house now. lol

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