Sometimes, the hardest people to apologize to are our kids.

But sometimes, they are the ones that need to hear it the most.

We think, maybe subconsciously, that to apologize to our kids is to show weakness; and that is something we can’t do in front of our kids.

Just last night, I had an idea for remodeling my daughter’s room. She has a big set of folding doors, and I suggested that if we frame it in and install a standard size door, she would have a lot more wall space for something like a bookcase or other furniture.

She didn’t see it as easily as I did, and stated that the door couldn’t open this way because of this reason, and couldn’t open that way because of that other reason. Finally, in frustration, I snapped at her and said something like, “I’m just trying to help you out. Can’t you just accept it and be thankful?”

My daughter was immediately reduced to tears.

And I immediately felt about two inches tall.

So I pulled her onto the couch and hugged her and apologized and asked for her forgiveness. It was hard to do, but it was so worth it. My daughter was upset not because I was frustrated. She was upset because she thought she was the reason I was mad. She completely saw this as an issue devaluing her, and not simply my frustration.

If I hadn’t talked with her and apologized to her and asked her forgiveness, I never would have received that insight into her self esteem.

You see, dads, when we are at our best, we know that to apologize, and to ask their forgiveness when we have sinned against them, honors both them and God.

I can’t wait for this evening. I’m going to bring up the topic again. And I’m going to offer a pocket door. I think she’ll be excited about that idea. And I think I’ll let her help me build it.

Be deliberate, Dad!

When have you needed to apologize to your kids? How did it go? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.