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Why I Stopped Telling Kids to Apologize: A New Approach to Teaching Empathy
Today, I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind lately — the way we teach our kids to apologize.
We all know the drill: Little Johnny pulls Susie’s hair, and we rush in, saying, “Say you’re sorry, Johnny!” But is this really the best way to teach empathy and responsibility? I’ve got some unconventional thoughts on this, so stick around!
Why the Old Way Doesn’t Work
First of all, let’s address the elephant in the room — the traditional “Say you’re sorry” approach. While it may seem like a quick fix, it often lacks depth. Kids, being the curious beings they are, might mumble an apology to avoid getting into more trouble, without truly understanding why they should apologize.
Additionally, this approach can inadvertently teach them that apologies are just a social script, devoid of genuine emotion. It doesn’t encourage them to reflect on their actions or consider the feelings of the person they’ve wronged.
Instead, Try This…
What if, instead of demanding a rushed apology, we encouraged children to explore their feelings and understand the consequences of their actions? It may sound complex, but it’s all about fostering empathy and emotional…
