We are all human and we all make mistakes. An important life lesson is learning to recognize our mistakes and apologize for them. This shows that we are capable of self-reflection, empathy, and learning from our errors. On occasion, this can be a hard lesson for even us adults. It is important to teach your kids to say, “I’m sorry”, and mean it. Learning to take accountability for their actions is a lesson that will serve them well throughout life. An apology letter for kids is a great way for them to learn to apologize in a meaningful way. Here’s how and why to write a letter of apology for bad behaviour.
Why An Apology Letter For Kids?
You see, in my house, when I prompt my school-aged kids for an apology after they’ve done something they shouldn’t have, I sometimes get an insincere and sassy “SAR-REEE” in return. Not exactly what I had in mind. My second attempt is usually met with the same word, just a more whiny, softer tone. And then the power struggle ensues because they just pushed my don’t-just-say-it-if-you-don’t-mean-it button, at which point sorry is no longer good enough, and privileges start getting revoked. Is it too much to expect that, as the Mom and authority figure, I get respect in the form of a sincere apology?
It may not too much to expect, but it may require a change in approach. It’s about the meaning behind the words. If they aren’t saying sorry like they mean it, they simply don’t mean it (no matter how sorry I want them to be). My solution? The apology letter. It works wonders.
Sometimes an apology letter is way more useful to show what the full meaning behind the words “I’m sorry”, really are. While it may be natural to want to deny your mistakes and the consequences of your actions, that is a horrible lesson to teach our children. We need to teach them that only by acknowledging our mistakes can we learn from what happened and grow as a person. Offering a heartfelt apology is the only way avoid pushing the other person away.
How To Write A Letter Of Apology For Bad Behaviour
You want an apology letter to own the mistake, say sorry, and ask for forgiveness. It doesn’t need to be super lengthy, it just needs to convey an actual apology.
A Letter Of Apology For Bad Behaviour Should Include:
1) An apology specifically for what they did that was wrong. (Without any “but”s.)
2) A simple statement of why the behavior was wrong.
3) An agreement not to repeat the bad behaviour.
4) A request for forgiveness.
You can even adapt an apology letter fork kids to be more suitable for younger kids by making it fill in the blank or letting them draw pictures.
A letter of apology takes thought. It takes intention. And it takes sincerity. These are the things we WANT them to have but we can’t force feed them have. I’m such a big fan of apology letters these days that my kids write them to their teachers when I get a report of misbehavior at school, to grandparents or other adults when I feel they are being disrespectful, and even to peers when the situation calls for it. And you know what? They’ve gotten some in return. Including some from me, which they cherish. Because sometimes words DO speak louder than actions.
Related Posts:
Why Forgiveness Is Important
Growth Mindset For Kids
Teaching Kids Independence- Why, When, And How
Source: Parenting - familyfocusblog.com
