Did any adult ever apologize to you as a child?

Can you recall any adults apologizing to you when you were a child?  

For most of us, the answer is no.  

Today is the day we change that.  

What does an apology teach a child?

1. It assures them that everyone makes mistakes and that we can recover from them.  

2. It demonstrates that they matter enough for us to reflect and come back to them. 

3. It teaches them what a quality apology feels and sounds like. 

How do you know if you owe a child an apology?

You know those nights when you are going to bed but still replaying a moment you had with a child and wishing you had handled it differently? 

BINGO!

That's your clue.  If you are still thinking about it well after the event happened, it is probably a sign that you owe that child an apology

It's OK, we all do it.

So, now what?  

Here is a simple formula you can use with your apology. 

1.  I've been thinking about...

2. I'm sorry.

3. I wish I had...

Let's break this down:

1.  "I've been thinking about..."  What is the moment you have been replaying?  This might sound like: "Callie, I have been thinking about how I called you out in front of the entire group last week for resting during practice time."  This simple statement shows Callie that she matters. She matters enough for you to think of her outside of practice, and enough for you to want to make things right.

2. "I'm sorry."  Keep it simple.  "I'm sorry" without a "but" is powerful enough. 

3. "I wish I had..."  This one is unique to you. What do you wish you had done?  If given the chance to replay the moment, how do you wish you had handled it?  This could sound like: "I wish I had walked closer to you and asked you why you were lying on the ground." or "I wish I had waited until we had a moment to chat with some privacy so I could have been more curious with you instead of accusatory."  Whatever it is, tell them.  

   
   

This does not mean you will never make a mistake again.  Of course you will.  But this time, instead of stewing over it and wishing you had handled it differently, you can do something about it.  And that something can change a child's life.

That's what we do - we change kids' lives! 

So now it's your turn: What’s something you’ve said to a child to make things right?