The Power of a Sincere Apology: Teaching Children Through Our Own Mistakes

Written by Melony Cohen, PsyD and Alexa Winer, AMFT

We all make mistakes. It’s an inevitable part of being human. But what truly matters, especially in the eyes of our children, is how we choose to respond to those moments. The way we handle our missteps teaches them far more than words ever could.

Apologizing might seem simple, but it carries immense emotional and social weight. When we take the time to say “I’m sorry,” we’re modeling empathy, accountability, and courage. These are the very traits we hope to instill in our kids as they grow and navigate relationships of their own.

Why Apologizing Matters

For children, witnessing an adult take responsibility for their actions is powerful. It sends the message that no one is perfect, and that it’s okay to own up to our behavior, even when it’s uncomfortable. By normalizing apologies, we’re teaching children that making things right is more important than appearing flawless.

Apologizing fosters:

·       Empathy: Understanding how our actions impact others.

·       Trust: Repairing and strengthening relationships.

·       Resilience: Learning to recover and grow from mistakes.

Leading By Example

It can be humbling to apologize to a child, but those moments are invaluable. Saying, “I’m sorry I raised my voice earlier. I was feeling frustrated, but that’s not your fault,” shows them how to reflect, take ownership, and repair a moment of disconnection.

When kids see us model this, they’re more likely to practice it themselves—whether it's on the playground, in the classroom, or within the family.

A Lifelong Skill

The ability to apologize sincerely is something children carry with them into adulthood. It helps them build meaningful relationships, navigate conflict with maturity, and understand the value of humility. And it all begins at home, with us.

So the next time you catch yourself slipping up, remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being honest, staying grounded, and helping your child see that mistakes aren’t the end of the story—they’re a chance to grow closer, learn, and try again.