Admitting and apologizing for mistakes serves as a role model for your child and helps him better manage his emotions.
Although all parents get angry at one time or another, not all of them apologize to their children, often for fear of losing their authority. On the contrary, to apologize to him is to show him that no one is perfect and to serve as a model for him in his relationships with others.
How to apologize?
Because of normal brain development, your child thinks everything is self-centered. When you are angry, he therefore thinks he is responsible and may feel rejected or unloved. If you acted strongly or disproportionately, it’s best to apologize and admit that you shouldn’t have lost your temper.
Concretely, you can for example tell him that you were very angry earlier and that you went to another room to calm down and reflect. Your child will understand that you also make mistakes and that you are able to recognize them.
How do you teach him to apologize?
When you apologize you become a role model for your child who will practice what you teach them, especially if you name your feelings and show them ways to calm down. For that do not hesitate to name what you felt, and then put yourself at his height by looking him in the eye so that he understands the sincerity of your apologies. Also take the opportunity to explain to him what made you angry, if it was stupidity or behavior that you do not accept on his part. After apologizing, take time to cuddle or play together to reconnect.
By acting in this way you are not questioning your authority, on the contrary you are calming and strengthening your relationship while helping your child to better manage his emotions and apply this behavior with his classmates, for example.
Find out more: “My dragon learns to say sorry” by Anna Láng, Hachette Children editions.
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