Jonah Engler: 10 ways to teach your kids to say sorry
Saying sorry is an important life skill that children need to learn says Jonah Engler.
Here are 10 ways to teach them how to apologize.
1. Explain why it’s important to say sorry:
Saying sorry is a way of taking responsibility for your actions and showing that you are sorry for the hurt you have caused. It can help to resolve conflicts and make relationships stronger.
2. Help them understand what they did wrong:
Children need to know what they did wrong in order to apologize. Take the time to explain to them why their action was wrong and how it made someone else feel.
3. Encourage them to apologize for face-to-face:
An apology should always be given face-to-face whenever possible. This shows that you are sincere in your apology.
4. Help them say sorry in the right way:
There is a right and a wrong way to say sorry. Make sure your child apologizes by saying, “I’m sorry for _____. I’ll try not to do it again.”
5. Help them understand why an apology is important to the other person:
An apology is important to the other person because it shows that you care about their feelings and are willing to take responsibility for your actions says Jonah Engler.
6. Encourage them to listen to the other person’s side:
When children apologize, they should also listen to the other person’s side. This helps them to understand how their actions have affected others and can make them more sympathetic.
7. Encourage them to make amends:
If your child has done something wrong, encourage them to make amends. This could involve apologizing, doing something nice for the person they have hurt, or making up for the damage they have done.
8. Help them to forgive themselves:
Children can feel guilty about things that they have no control over. It’s important to help them forgive themselves so that they can move on from any mistakes they have made explains Jonah Engler.
9. Let them know that everyone makes mistakes:
Everyone makes mistakes and its okay to apologize for them. Help your child understand that we all make mistakes, but it’s how we learn from them that matters.
10. Encourage them to be humble:
Being humble is one of the most important traits of a good apology. Encourage your child to be sincere in their apologies and not to take credit for things they didn’t do.
FAQs:
Q: Why is it important for children to learn how to apologize?
A: Saying sorry is an important life skill that children need to learn. It can help to resolve conflicts and make relationships stronger. An apology should always be given face-to-face whenever possible. This shows that you are sincere in your apology.
Q: What is the right way to apologize?
A: The right way to apologize is to say, “I’m sorry for _____. I’ll try not to do it again.” It’s also important to listen to the other person’s side and understand how your actions have affected them. You should also make amends if you can.
Q: Why is being humble important when apologizing?
A: Being humble is one of the most important traits of a good apology. Encourage your child to be sincere in their apologies and not to take credit for things they didn’t do. This will show that they are truly sorry for what they have done.
Q: What should I do if my child doesn’t apologize?
A: If your child doesn’t apologize, it’s important to talk to them about why they are upset and help them understand why apologizing is important. You can also encourage them to make amends if they have done something wrong.
Conclusion:
Saying sorry is an important life skill that children need to learn. It can help to resolve conflicts and make relationships stronger. An apology should always be given face-to-face whenever possible. This shows that you are sincere in your apology. The right way to apologize is to say, “I’m sorry for _____. I’ll try not to do it again.” It’s also important to listen to the other person’s side and understand how your actions have affected them. You should also make amends if you can. Being humble is one of the most important traits of a good apology. Encourage your child to be sincere in their apologies and not to take credit for things they didn’t do.