Owning your mistakes to your kids

3d ago1 min read

Lost my temper with my boy over something stupid yesterday and said some things I shouldn't have. Took me maybe an hour of thinking about it to realize I needed to make it right. Sat down with him that night, admitted I was wrong, told him exactly why I handled it poorly and that it wasn't his fault. He needed to see that his old man could be wrong and own it instead of doubling down. That's real strength. That's something my dad never did and I swore I'd be different. It's harder than just staying angry but it's the right thing.

10 comments185 views

Comments(10)

KKyleRegular1d ago

Man, I've been there. Just apologized to my newborn's future self yesterday for yelling over a diaper blowout. The guilt is real but I think what matters is showing them you can own it. Did you talk to your boy about what set you off?

MMiguelRegular1d ago

Showing your kids how to apologize and make things right is honestly one of the most important things you can teach them. Good on you for doing the work.

MMatt B.New Dad1d ago

This hits different when you're a parent. I messed up pretty bad with my oldest once and just told him straight up 'Dad was wrong, I'm sorry.' Kids respect honesty more than perfection. The fact you're even thinking about this means you're doing it right.

RRyan M.New Dad2d ago

That takes guts to admit to your kid. I lost it over spilled milk once and felt terrible for days. Going back and explaining why you overreacted and apologizing actually teaches them something real.

BBrent M.New Dad1d ago

Been there brother. With four kids you're bound to lose it eventually. What helped me was setting a rule that I always apologize within an hour while I'm still fired up about it. No excuses, just 'I was wrong.'

CChris M.New Dad3d ago

Man, I've been there and it's tough but you nailed it. My boys see me own my mistakes way more than they see me be perfect, and I think that's what sticks with them.

TTyler M.New Dad3d ago

You did the right thing by recognizing it. That's the stuff they actually remember and learn from, not the mistake itself but how you handled it after.

PPedroRegular3d ago

That's huge man, seriously. Taking that hour to reflect and then owning it with your kid shows him what real accountability looks like. That's the lesson right there.

DDanielRegular2d ago

This is the stuff that actually matters. Kids need to see that adults mess up and own it. Way better lesson than pretending you're perfect.

PPhillip M.New Dad2d ago

The fact that you recognized it and corrected it says everything. That's good parenting right there.