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Wandering Whims

How I Apologize to My Kids When I Mess Up



Saying sorry is one of the most powerful and important phrases we can use in our relationships. Whether we've made a mistake, hurt someone's feelings, or simply need to make amends, apologizing is a crucial step in repairing and strengthening our connections with others.


Apologizing can be hard, especially when we're used to being right, being in control, or avoiding conflict.


It takes courage, empathy, and vulnerability to admit our mistakes and take responsibility for our actions. Here are some examples of how to do it effectively, and what to say when we don't show up for our kids as our best selves.


By learning to apologize in a meaningful way, we can build stronger, more authentic relationships and become better versions of ourselves.



  1. "I'm truly sorry for the way I acted earlier. It was wrong of me, and I'll work on being a better parent to you."

  2. "I made a mistake, and I'm sorry for the pain and frustration it caused. I'll learn from this and do better next time."

  3. "I know I disappointed you, and I'm sorry for that. I'll make an effort to be more supportive and understanding in the future."

  4. "I want to apologize for the way I spoke to you. It was disrespectful, and I'll work on using kinder language and being more patient."

  5. "I'm sorry for not being there for you when you needed me. I'll make it a priority to be more present and attentive in the future."

  6. "I understand that my actions have hurt you, and I'm sorry for that. I'll try to be more mindful of my words and actions moving forward."

  7. "I made a mistake, and I'm sorry for letting you down. I'll do my best to make things right and be the parent you deserve."

  8. "I want to apologize for the way I handled that situation. I'll work on being more open-minded and willing to listen to your perspective."

  9. "I'm sorry for not being more supportive of your feelings. I'll make an effort to be more empathetic and understanding in the future."

  10. "I know I haven't been there for you as much as I should have, and I'm sorry for that. I'll work on prioritizing our relationship and being more involved in your life."

  11. "I was wrong to [insert specific action or behavior]. I apologize for my mistake and for the impact it had on you. I promise to do better in the future."

  12. "I made a mistake and I'm sorry. I should have [insert what you should have done instead]. I'll work on being more mindful and patient in the future."

  13. "I apologize for yelling/losing my temper/being harsh. I know that wasn't an appropriate way to handle the situation, and I promise to find better ways to manage my emotions and communicate with you."

  14. "I was unfair/unjust and I apologize for that. I promise to listen to your perspective and work on being more understanding and empathetic."

  15. "I made a mistake and it caused you hurt/discomfort/frustration. I'm so sorry for that. I promise to be more mindful of your feelings and needs in the future."

  16. "I should have been more patient/understanding/supportive. I apologize for not being there for you in the way that you needed me to be. I'll work on doing better next time."

  17. "I apologize for not listening to you/ignoring your concerns/dismissing your feelings. I promise to listen to you and take your thoughts and feelings into consideration from now on."

  18. "I made a mistake and it affected you in a negative way. I'm sorry for that. I promise to take responsibility for my actions and make things right as best as I can."

  19. "I apologize for not being the parent you needed me to be in that moment. I promise to do better and be more present/engaged/supportive going forward."

  20. "I made a mistake and it was wrong. I apologize for my actions and promise to learn from this experience so I can be a better parent to you."


Remember, apologies are about taking responsibility for our actions, acknowledging the harm we've caused, and promising to do better in the future. They're not about making excuses or justifying our behavior. As parents, it's important to take accountability for our mistakes and show our kids that we're committed to being better and doing better.


Here are some of my favorite books on parenting!






(Any/all of the links on this website are affiliate links of which I receives a small

commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you.)

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