How To Apologize To Your Kids

STRAIGHT TALK about three words your kids need to hear you say...

"I WAS WRONG"

I know you thought it was going to be "I love you". They need to hear that, too. Here's three tips on how to do it:

1. Apologize quickly. Do not hesitate! This will eliminate hurting them even more. Not to mention, if you wait too long, they will feel devalued and more damage will be done.

2. Do not include the word "But..." in your apology. It will completely cancel out your attempt to apologize.

3. Ask for their forgiveness and offer lots of hugs and kisses. If that doesn't work try offering money...just kidding.

You will be surprised how gracious your kids will be when you apply these three tips. I was when I had to apologize to my eight year old at the end of the school year when I completely forgot to buy her a school yearbook. She kept asking me to order one and as usual I would say "Ok...Ok" and then not do another thing about it.

When she came home from school about a week before they got out for summer vacation, she sadly announced, "They passed out yearbooks today and I didn't get one." My heart sank realizing I had not ordered her a book. I felt horrible, like if there was a Worst Mother of the Year award, I certainly deserved it! How could I forget, I thought to myself. I quickly called the school and found out that there was already a waiting list and it was fairly long so my chances of getting one of the extras was slim to none.

I sat in my chair, paralyzed. There was no way I could fix it this time. I slowly made my way to her room where she was lying on her bed. I sat down and began to apologize. "Sweetie, Mommy really messed up. I forgot to order your book. I am so so sorry." I said.

Surprisingly she said it was ok. I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure she wouldn't even want to look at me. I was so relieved.

Funny how this is just like God is with us. We get so scared to go to him and admit we've messed up. Instead we waste so much energy trying to do everything perfect to make up for our mistake, or blame someone else, or we sometimes run away from him. He just wants us to admit we messed up and ask for His forgiveness so He can graciously give us another chance.

A couple of days before school got out, Brooklynn came skipping into the house with her school yearbook tucked tightly under her arm sporting the biggest smile I had ever seen! She got a yearbook after-all!

--Kristy