Teach your children to ask for forgiveness correctly

On many occasions children know that they have done something wrong but do not know how to apologize. While it is true that the example is the best teacher, it is also a good idea to teach the necessary strategies so that they know how to blame themselves or ask for forgiveness if necessary. Perhaps these strategies will suit you too … because before teaching you have to know how to do it from the heart!

Relationships can be wonderful, but conflict is almost always inevitable, causing emotional pain and stress. Knowing how to apologize can repair the damage in a relationship, but when you can’t honestly apologize, things can get considerably worse. Effective apologies are simple if you know what to say. Here are some easy steps to help you learn how to honestly and effectively apologize … and teach it to your kids!

ASK FOR FORGIVENESS FROM THE HEART

Know when to do it

Knowing when to apologize is just as important as knowing how to apologize. If it is known or suspected that something wrong has been done to another that may have hurt their feelings, it is best to apologize and clear the air. If what you have done bothered you, then an apology is necessary.

If you are unsure, an apology offers the opportunity to take responsibility for the mistakes you have made and restore order in the relationship . If you think the other person is being unreasonable, you might need to have a conversation to find out where you stand on all of this.

Take responsibility

Taking responsibility means acknowledging the mistakes you made that hurt the other person. Saying vague things will only make the other person feel even more emotional pain towards you and resent you. On the other hand, when you apologize knowing exactly what you did wrong and that you regret it, then you will recognize that you know that you hurt the other person and that you take responsibility for it.

Express regret

When it comes to understanding how to apologize effectively, it’s also important to understand the value of expressing regret . Taking responsibility is important, but it is also helpful for the other person to know that you feel bad about hurting them and that you wish you hadn’t.

The affected part feels bad and needs to know that you also feel bad for having hurt them emotionally . Look for expressions that add sincerity to your apology so he knows that you really feel bad.

Offset actions

If there is anything you can do to correct the situation, do it. Knowing how to honestly apologize is important, and part of the sincerity of an apology is a willingness to put some action into it. 

If you broke someone’s something, see if you can replace it. If you said something hurtful, say some nice things that can help generate more positive feelings. If you’ve broken trust, see what you can do to rebuild it. Anything you can do to make things better, do it. If you are not sure what to do, then ask.

Reaffirm the limits

One of the most important parts of an apology, one of the best reasons to apologize, is to reaffirm the boundaries. Healthy boundaries are important in any relationship. When you conflict with someone, there is usually a boundary that is crossed (a social rule is violated or trust is broken) and it helps to affirm what kind of future behavior is preferred is critical. Discussing what kinds of rules will be followed in the future will rebuild trust, boundaries, and positive feelings, and provide a natural way out of conflict and a happier future in the relationship.