Liam has recently taken to frequently expressing apologies. All day long, I hear him say, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” While it seems like a positive development—teaching him politeness as a three-year-old—the reality is quite the opposite. He now believes he can engage in any behavior he pleases, simply offering an apology afterwards if it goes wrong.
Recent Incidents
Just last week, he purposely dropped my tablet into a glass of water, grinning as he said, “I’m sorry.” A few days ago, he hurled a box of light bulbs onto the counter, shattering them into countless pieces, many of which ended up in the dinner I was preparing. With a carefree tone, he sang, “I’m sorry,” showing no sign of genuine regret.
There’s the water pooling outside the shower, the makeup compact he smashed, the lotion he carelessly spilled on the counter, the stickers he decided to decorate the walls with, the foot that tripped his sister, the paint he smeared all over himself, and the puddle he couldn’t resist jumping in. The chorus of “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” echoes through our home. And I can’t help but wish he’d never learned that darn phrase.
Resources for Parents
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Conclusion
In summary, while teaching children to apologize is important, it can sometimes lead to unintended consequences that challenge our parenting efforts. Striking the right balance is crucial for fostering genuine accountability in our little ones.