When “I’m Sorry” Isn’t Good Enough

When it comes to raising children, teaching them how to be apologetic can be difficult.  So many times we see children giving filppant apologies or not saying it at all.

Then when they do say their sorry, and mean it, they don’t know what to do from there.

I remember making mistakes as a child and getting in trouble.  I’d always say I was sorry, and my Mom would follow up with.

“I’m sorry isn’t good enough”.

The problem was that I really was sorry, but my apology wasn’t enough to make it better.  I wanted to show her that I was sorry.  I remember asking her what I needed to do to make it up to her or make it right, and she’d repeat “I don’t know, but I’m sorry just isn’t good enough”.

It felt terrible.

I didn’t have to tools to make it right, and she didn’t know what I could do to make it right either.  I’m sure we both felt helpless.

When I think about how I want to raise my children, I want them to know how to be sympathetic, and how to make amends.

This is something that can be difficult and tricky. As their parent, it’s my job to teach them.

Here’s what I’m doing so far:

Model it for them:  I always, always apologize to my kids when I mess up or hurt their feelings.  Children learn mainly from watching us.  They pick up on how we treat them, and in turn, will treat others the same way.

Point out other’s feelings:  When my son hurts someone, I make sure that he recognizes that he’s done so.  I show him that the other person is crying and upset.  From there we talk about what happened and what he could do to make that person feel better.

Talk it through:  We are big talkers around here.  If there’s a problem, we talk it through and problem solve together.  If my children say mean words, we talk about it.  I remind them that the words they are using are not ok, and that they need to find better words.

We also talk about the emotion behind their words.  “I hear that you are saying some really not nice things right now, and you seem upset.  Let’s talk about that.”  Then we talk it through.  After the problem is solved,  I remind them that they started off being pretty mean and that it’s important to apologize when we say mean things.

Have them fix it:   My children know that it’s their responsibility to repair, clean, or fix something if they break it.  If they write on the walls, it’s up to them to get the marks off.  It’s important that they take responsibility for their mistakes by trying to fix it.

When my children get a bit older and have allowances, they will have to pay to have something fixed or replaced.  If they don’t have the money, then they will work around the house to earn it.

Don’t demand an apology:  I don’t force my kids to apologize, but I do remind them when an apology is appropriate.  I want them to feel remorseful when they apologize.  I don’t want them to just say it flippantly because they are supposed to.

I will tell you, because we model how to apologize for them, they usually say it without having to be reminded.  Usually, not always.

I hope that I can give my children the tools to seek forgiveness when they mess up. I hope that they never feel like they don’t know how to  make amends with someone, like I did.

Read more about how I apologize and talk to my children:

• Yelling and Asking for Forgiveness
• Apologizing to Kids:  Who’s Taking the Blame?
• Problem Solving with a Preschooler…Talking it Out

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