Sometimes, though, I can hear in those same voices that I have gotten through to them, that they are sorry and recognize the error. I can feel the difference. I discuss this with them, too. I talk about how this difference seems to shine through when each truly and honestly considers whether he has treated the other like he would want to be treated (the good ol' Golden Rule in action). I talk about times that this consideration and a simple, honest "I'm sorry" could have stopped hurts and changed later actions.Too many people don't know how to say "I'm sorry." I know that's a broad generalization, but I believe it to be true. Acquaintances, family members, friends, neighbors, strangers – many people in all our lives have a difficult time admitting that they could have done something that caused a hurt, or even admit that a wrong has occurred. For some people pride is the issue; for others it's embarrassment; for still others – well, I just don't know.
I'm no perfect example in this exercise. I've made mistakes, plenty of them. I'm sure there were a mistake or two (or 20 or 1,000!) I didn't even realize I'd made! I know there have been moments when I've felt so monumentally stupid over a (usually fairly innocent) blunder that I've become tongue-tied when I should have swallowed that feeling and just said those two words. Then I am sorry for two things: the original blunder and the subsequent bumbling. It's a downward spiral from there.
When the boys' actions require an apology, I try to talk to them about how, though their actions cannot be undone, the right and meaningful words can help heal hurts and help them learn how to show empathy for others. I also think about where each boy is developmentally and try to tailor discussions and examples to their relative levels. The depth of conversation with Alfs would not be appropriate to Woody, and the kind of conservation I might have with Woody would seem too simplistic for Alfs.
Can I teach my kids remorse? I don't know. But I think I can lay a foundation for kids to learn about right and wrong and about feelings, their own and those of others. I can:
- Set clear rules for behavior.
- Try to the best of my ability to be an example for what I expect of them. When I make a mistake, apologize, even to the tiniest member of the family.
- When a situation develops, respond to the kids in a way that is developmentally appropriate for each of them.
- Listen.
- Explain.
- Respect the feelings of all involved and help them identify and express their feelings in the most appropriate manner.
- Do it all over again, day after day.
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About the author: Jen Klein is a New England-based technical writer and mother of three. When she isn't asking her kids to stop bickering, "caramelizing" the dinner or actively ignoring the dust bunnies under the couch, she enjoys knitting, gardening, photography, going to the beach, coming up with excuses not to exercise, embarrassing her pre-teen in public, and trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up.
