Apologizing is not the easiest thing in the world to do. It certainly gets even more difficult when the recipient of your apology is your child.
Very recently, after some introspection, I determined that I needed to apologize to Kari for how I had treated him, or more like reacted to an unpleasant discovery. I did not hit him, neither did I shout at him. I believe the expression on my face and my body language were equally painful to him. With tears in his eyes, he repeatedly declared, "Addy is mad at me!" I broke down. I couldn't take it. He held his head down in shame, refusing to make eye contact with me and ran to his room.
I pondered what to do and decided I must apologize to him. My behavior was truly not loving. After apologizing, he was able to look me in the eyes again. Of course, I shared with him the reasons why I was upset and exactly what it is I was apologizing for. My son then promised me he will do better. It was then my turn to weep. I am very proud of him.
As parents, particularly fathers, we must accept that we make mistakes with our children. We are not always right. When we make mistakes and determine we have wronged our children, we ought to admit this to them. It is not enough to just say, "I'm sorry." We should explain what it is we are apologizing for and ask our children for their forgiveness. Who said parenting was easy?
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