What do you do when you have failed as a parent? We seem to know exactly what we want our kids to do. The question is: Are we holding ourselves to the same standard? The last thing we want to do is lose the respect of our kids. Sometimes we think defending our actions at all costs is the way to go.
But in my experience, your kids will respect and love you more if, after you fail as a dad, you do this instead.
It’s important to know and understand when we cause pain, so we don’t repeat the same mistakes in the future.Understand the mistake.
The first thing we need to do is think about it. We need to understand the mistake we made and how it impacted our kids. It’s important to know and understand when we cause pain, so we don’t repeat the same mistakes in the future.
Apologize and repent.
Second, we have to admit to our kids what we did wrong. If you’ve done something wrong, talk to your kids about it. Say, “As your dad, I did something wrong. Please forgive me. I am going to try my best not to do that again.”
Doing those things will go a long way. Not many of us are willing to say that to our kids. I have been in the wrong many times and I haven’t said it enough. But that is the best attitude to have in those situations and will set the best example.
Sound off: What do you do when you have failed as a parent?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is the best thing to do when you have done something wrong?”