Being Sorry, Not Saying Sorry

“Say you are sorry!” A mother demands.

Her child shouts the words “I’m sorry!” while he still pulls the toy out of their friend’s hands.

 

Words have value and purpose. We have this wonderful, colorful vocabulary to discuss how we feel and see the world. We use our words to convey thoughts, ideas, passions, to grow and help others to grow. One of the most wonderful things we teach our children is to speak. More importantly than teaching them letters, words, and sentences is teaching them the meaning behind the syllables.

So how do we teach young children empathy? And what can we do that will be more effective than forcing them to repeat “I’m sorry.” in a mocking bird fashion?

Read more