I sometimes feel like extended periods of time with all of us home together sort of brings bad behavior to the surface so it can be dealt with. In short, they HAVE to learn to live together in love-ish-ness. Or at least with as little bodily injury as possible. Last night, one kid offended another kid and (at my firm urging) gave one of those lovely "I'm SORRY but I'm not sorry!" apologies.
So we took some time and talked about apologies at familytime. What should you do if mommy or daddy tells you to apologize and you don't really feel sorry?....What is the correct way to make an apology?.....How should we respond to an apology? And we practiced. We made up pretend offences and took turns making and accepting apologies. They actually had fun and giggled a lot.
"Mommy, I'm sorry for dropping your ipod in the toilet. Would you please forgive me?"
(secretly groaning & hoping it never comes true but knowing it's a definite possibility in this house....could I forgive for real?) "Yes, I forgive you"
1. say I'm sorry with a good attitude (face & voice)
2. say what I'm sorry for
3. ask for forgiveness
And of course, the other party should accept the apology and take a peek at their own heart and actions to see their own selves in the matter....
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