Saying “I’m Sorry”

Is there an instance in your life where you said “I’m sorry” to your child and mean it? As a mother for almost 20 years, there were a lot of times where I apologized to my two daughters for messing up with them. I lose control, become impatient and sometimes I’m not able to manage my anger for things or situations that led me to reprimand them. But later, when I calmed down and realized my mistake, I immediately admit my shortcomings by saying “I’m sorry” in a sincere manner. I am always reminded by what is said in Ephesians 4:26 “If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you to sin, and do not stay angry all day” so it would be best to patch things up with our kids by apologizing immediately. There are times that the relationship is not restored easily. It may take hours, a day or two for children to process what happened, but when the right time comes relationship is restored with a kiss and a hug.

Parents, it’s okay to commit mistakes in taking care of our children for we are not perfect. We deal with a lot of stressors everyday but this does not excuse us to lose control. Rather we should be mindful of the feelings of our kids. Once you realized that you did something wrong be humble enough to apologize by saying “I’m sorry” sincerely to replace hard feelings into a happy one.

I know it’s not that easy to apologize, it depends in the person’s conscience, upbringing and character. But when you ponder and pray about it, you will be able to do so. The bible verse from Ephesians 4:2 that says “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” is a good reminder for us to be humble enough in admitting our mistakes and in dealing with our children.

A friend recently told me that today is a hard time to raise teenagers with all the not so good environment in school and society. But then she said that by the grace of God through prayers we will be able to guide them. With all the negativity in this world that is beyond our control, it’s nice to set a good example to our children. When we do admit our mistakes surely they too will do the same not only to us but also to other people as well. Thus, saying “I’m sorry” heartily has ripple effects and creates positivity.

In closing, let me share with you below the Prayer for Peace in the Family that I gathered from the book “Prayers for Good Times and Bad”. May the said prayer guide you in times of conflicts not only with your children but also with your entire family.

“Contention and friction in family relationships leave me feeling uneasy, Lord. I long for reconciliation and peace, but I don’t know how to make it happen.

“Help me do my part in this matter; whether it means speaking the truth in love to someone, letting go of something, seeking or offering forgiveness, praying or quietly setting an example. Show me how to walk in your way of peace, God, and let that peace permeate each relationship in my life. Amen.”

“In practising the art of parenthood an ounce of example is worth a ton of preaching.” – Wilfred A. Peterson