Say Sorry, That’s What My Mom Always Told Me

Saying the words “I’m sorry” is no longer difficult for me now that I’m an adult. My mom taught me well. My mom taught me how important humility is to survive in life. However, it took me a long time to learn how to do this.

I was, well hmmm, a very hard-headed and strong-willed girl. I hate to admit it but I always wanted things to go my way. Young as I was, I was already a perfectionist. If things didn’t go the way I intended it to, well then all hell broke loose. I often get into disputes with my sibling and cousins because of this attitude.

At the end of the day, they all said sorry to me if they were in the wrong but If I was wrong I just rolled my eyes and refused to say sorry for being wrong. I was tough but my mother was very patient with me. She explained to me every time I wronged people why I was wrong and why I needed to say those magic words. As years passed, I was able to get this habit into my system.

I don’t have my own children yet but now, I am teaching my younger cousins the value of saying sorry. Now I know what my mom felt when she was doing the same thing to me. Not easy, I admit. Are you dealing with the same problem with your kids too? I can teach you how to implement this very important value into them. The tips I picked up from my mom might help you too.

• Talk to your child especially while he or she is still young. Tell him or her why he needs to apologize. Young kids rarely concern themselves about other people so they tend to disregard other’s reactions or feelings. Make them understand that they have hurt or offended someone.

• Guide him as he makes the apology. An apology consists of the wrong act being vocalized and the responsibility to make it up to the other person. Since he does not understand this yet, you can guide him by letting him follow your words. Example: I took your doll away and it made you cry. I am sorry. How can I make it up to you?

• Be a good example to your kids. Say sorry when you have wronged them. Remember that children learn better by following examples. By setting yourself as their role model, this value will be engrained in their minds. As usual, follow the same format when apologizing. Example: I am sorry for staining your favorite teddy bear. That was very unfortunate but I did not mean to do it. What can mommy do to make you feel better?

• Do something to prove that you are sorry. Help your kid understand that just saying sorry will not bail him or her out. In addition to apologizing, you can teach him to do something to make the offended party feel better. For example, you can let him return the doll he took away from the other kid or have him replace the crayon he took. As simple as that is it can do wonders.

When your kid (or cousin or whoever it is you are teaching) learns all this by heart, he or she will grow up to be a fine young citizen who is mindful of other’s feelings. Truth be told, people do not learn this value overnight so you need to be patient.

Good luck!

Author’s bio: Marcy Gray is more than thankful for having a mother who is ever supportive and forgiving. She shares her experiences through writing. In addition, she writes about home improvement product reviews such as frigidaire dehumidifier 70 pint and danby ddr7009ree.