How To Teach Your Kids To Apologize

How do we teach our kids to apologize in a healthier way that helps them feel good about themselves, learn from their mistakes, and improve and repair their relationships? That’s the question we’re discussing in today’s episode.

Teaching your kid how to apologize is one part of raising empathic children. Our kids have to learn that their actions and words can affect other people and what they can do when they make a mistake and don’t feel good about it.

 

 

 

 

We’re trying to pull on our kid’s inherent nature to

want to have relationships. … An apology is a tool
that’s going to allow them to get there.

Amanda

The Apology Format

In today’s episode, we discuss a simple format to use with kids of 8 and under that will help them apologize in a healthy way. It’s a teaching tool that allows them to identify the feeling and introduce a solution.

This is what the format looks like:

I am sorry for ___. I was feeling ___. Next time I’m feeling ___, I will ___.

Curious about how to implement this format? We discuss this and much more in today’s episode, so hop on and have a listen! And don’t forget to let us know what you think on Instagram!

More about Active & Connected Family Therapy

Active & Connected Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. A&C is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

Contact us here.

In this episode on how to teach kids to apologize, we cover:

• Why it’s important for kids to apologize;
• Modeling healthy ways of apologizing;
• A template for kids to help them apologize in a healthy way;
• Should we force our kids to apologize?;
• The power of offering time and space when it comes to apologizing;
• & much more.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode

• Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. Don’t hesitate to contact us here, or contact Sarah’s practice here.
• We’d love to hear your feedback on our podcast. Why not leave us a review on Apple Podcasts?
• Connect with us on Instagram.
• We’ve got a bunch of episodes out for you to binge listen! How about this episode about how to show your kids you’re truly listening?

Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.