I apologize to my 7 and 2-year-old when I'm wrong. I'm giving them the respect I never had growing up.

Teaching my children the importance of repairing relationships while asserting themselves has become a priority in my parenting. I make it a point to apologize to my 7-year-old daughter when I lose my temper, as I believe it's crucial for her to see that admitting fault is a sign of strength and responsibility. Even though my reactions don’t absolve her of her actions, I want her to understand that adults can own up to their mistakes.

Reflecting on my own childhood, I recall the impactful moment when my English teacher sincerely apologized to me during a tough time. This experience revealed how powerful an apology can be, and starkly contrasted my upbringing in a household where adults never accepted responsibility. I learned to keep the peace through my own apologies, an approach that, regrettably, led me to accept unhealthy dynamics in my relationships.

Now, as a parent to two children, I've embraced a new philosophy centered around open communication and mutual respect. I want my daughter to feel empowered to express her feelings and know her voice matters, regardless of her age. Through my frequent apologies, I hope to cultivate an environment of trust where both kids can comfortably discuss their own missteps without fear of judgment.

The benefits of this approach are evident in my daughter’s behavior. She is understanding of mistakes, both mine and her own, and feels safe admitting when she’s been wrong. An instance at school demonstrated this when she confidently described a situation where she felt wronged, illustrating her growing ability to navigate conflict and express her feelings without merely trying to appease others.

Ultimately, I aspire for my children to manage their relationships with empathy and confidence. I see the qualities in my daughter that I wished I had cultivated growing up: her willingness to stand up for herself and articulate her thoughts respectfully fills me with pride. My hope is that this foundation enables both her and her brother to repair their relationships while maintaining their integrity as they grow.