Heather Shumaker's Renegade Parenting Rules

8 New, Renegade Parenting Rules From It's OK Not to Share

July 17, 2012

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Kids Don't Have to Say "Sorry"

Actions speak louder than words — especially when kids are just reciting something they know makes grown-ups happy. Author Heather Shumaker says:

Saying "sorry" is a cop-out. Take action instead to set things right. . . . Young kids are rarely sorry. Many haven't even reached a stage of moral development to feel sorry yet. Don't force apologies. Instead, help kids set things right by getting a tissue or an ice pack. Learning to say "sorry" lets kids off the hook, but saying "I won't knock your bike over again" offers meaningful safety.

8 / 11

by Rebecca M Gruber 0

Kids Don't Have to Say "Sorry"

Actions speak louder than words — especially when kids are just reciting something they know makes grown-ups happy. Author Heather Shumaker says:

Saying "sorry" is a cop-out. Take action instead to set things right. . . . Young kids are rarely sorry. Many haven't even reached a stage of moral development to feel sorry yet. Don't force apologies. Instead, help kids set things right by getting a tissue or an ice pack. Learning to say "sorry" lets kids off the hook, but saying "I won't knock your bike over again" offers meaningful safety.

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