How to Correct Parental Mistakes
Every parent makes mistakes from time to time -- even the ones who have years of experience. Luckily, making a mistake can become a teachable moment if handled properly. Developmental psychologist Marilyn Price-Mitchell, on the Psychology Today's website, recommends that parents should help their children learn how to deal with mistakes by disclosing their own slip-ups. So, serve yourself up a big slice of humble pie the next time you make a mistake, and teach your child an important life lesson in the process.
Instructions
Admit your mistake. Simply let your child know you are aware of your parenting misstep. For example, if you want your child to speak kindly to others but you find yourself raising your voice or using unkind words, be candid about the fact that you broke your own rule. Not only does this open the door for you to correct your error, but it also instills in your child the fact that everyone makes mistakes from time to time, even parents. Apologize for your error. Admitting a parental mistake is important, but saying ̶0;I̵7;m sorry̶1; is essential. Using these two simple words with sincerity lets your child know you feel remorseful about treating her unfairly, setting a bad example or causing her to feel pain or sadness. Also, children need to receive apologies in order to understand how to apologize themselves, according to the Ask Dr Sears website. Explain what you should have done instead. For example, tell your child that you should have taken a few deep breaths to calm yourself before speaking instead of raising your voice. Or, explain to your child that it is more appropriate to address upsetting behaviors than to say hurtful things about a person. For example, tell your child you should have explained why the mess he made bothered you instead of telling him he is messy. This step helps your child understand that when a mistake is made, it can be avoided in the future by identifying alternative ways to behave. Make amends if your mistake involves unfair disciplinary action. For example, if your children get into an argument and you find out the next day that you mistakenly sent the wrong child to bed early, compensate the wrongly accused child by allowing her an extra privilege, such as staying up a little later on Saturday night.
