Participants experience breakthrough learning, the 8 Keys of Excellence principles to live by, self-discovery, deep friendships, and fun! The four-part apology steps- insert your own bitmoji! Oh my gosh, YES!!! I saw this on an episode of Super Nanny once and even though my daughter is only 2 1/2, we have done this since we started putting her in time out at about 15 months old. Awesome! Here’s the hard truth: we must first admit that our own pride poses the biggest obstacle to apologizing. So many of you have pinned this alread... "I'm sorry" they say with a sneer in their voice. On my blog I share life, pretty pictures, crafts and sometimes even get a little bit political. This sounds awesome! And as Bobbi DePorter once said, “Communication is the universal relationship fuel. It releases positive energy, creates synergy between all those involved (especially if it’s been building up for a long time) and allows everyone to just move on! Thanks for sharing. .hide-if-no-js{display:none !important}. But there is a second part to this step, and it includes providing details as to why this situation won't happen again. This is so wonderful to teach our children and I have tried this with my daughter, even if she's only 2.5. What a wonderful and thoughtful approach to teaching your kids. Copyright 2012 All material belongs to EmmyMom unless otherwise stated. It's nice to see someone else dealing with the same things. This is a very cool concept and I think it will be a good idea to apply it to my own home as well. This is amazing! This is great! People whose relationships have faltered for years often get back on track when they apologize with this level of responsibility. Awe thanks! There is no point in dwelling on the past. I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities this week! Use “I” statements to show that you’re the one behind the actions. I'm excited to use this in our home---things have been rough lately ;), Yes, there are definitely rough times in parenthood, hope this works well for you. My boys are 7 and 4 (oops, I mean 5! ) Recommit: Make a recommitment to appropriate behavior in the future! Third, acknowledge the effect it has had. A very hard thing to do sometimes! We, too, are in a learning-to-be-better stage at our house. Suite 212 Tarzana, CA 91356, Website Development by Greatest thing ever for kids! Apologize: The words “I apologize” are much more powerful than just “sorry.” Apologize using these words outright! Open the file and insert over my bitmoji! Only when you truly did nothing incorrectly is it alright to state, I'm so sorry you needed to pause or I'm so sorry I disturbed the gathering. Communication skills are essential in fostering healthy relationships, and having the right tools at our disposal leads to better relationships and more success in life. It’s an effective strategy to use with friends, family, students and even teachers. Such an important lesson, Elise will repeat anything we say, but not sorry. Happy 2015! I, too, have 9,7 and 4 year old kids. Thank you so much for sharing your family moments as it can help others too. LOL. Make it Right: Ask the person or people affected by your actions, “Is there anything I can do to make it right?” If they don’t have anything specific in mind, offer something. Fourth and probably the most important step: what you’re going to do to correct the circumstances or effect change. We used a family night to talk about it and even practiced little scenarios. <3 just love this, Emmy!! Because see, here is the deal, there isn't a great use for an apology if you are going to make or take the same action again in the future. Yes if they don't understand why then there really is not much point them to them apologizing. That when someone apologizes, the other child doesn't just say "that's okay." That is what I really love most about blogging is the connections and friendships and realizing that yes there are so many others going though the same thing as me. We may sometimes find ourselves saying things we don’t mean or doing things we know we shouldn’t do. Mostly I am just taking life One Day At a Time. I think it would really help my kids, because they can actually focus on what is going on, and why it is happening, so they develop a better understanding of cause and effect and how their actions have consequences! They learn valuable collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity strategies, and how to apply their SuperCamp experiences and skills to school, college, career, and life. Clearing the air with a Four-Part Apology relieves tensions and feels great. Example: “What can I do to make it right?”. Second, say what you are sorry for, acknowledge what you did, or what you said. Clearing the air with a Four-Part Apology relieves tensions and feels great. I hate the mumbled "Sorry" but have never really come up with a concrete way to fix it. Thank you! Great idea! When she has had to have a time out, usually for hitting, we ask her to say sorry when she gets up, but she won't. Love this, and we totally use this in my classroom! Anyone who has offered up a real, solid, true apology will attest that in doing so they released themselves from the very pain, discomfort, and shame they may have been avoiding all along! An apology represents a common frailty –we are all human, we all make mistakes, perhaps even hurt someone, intentionally or not, then we face the dilemma of where to go from there. I'm printing that little pin out and showing it to the family tonight! "I'm sorry" they say with a sneer in their voice. If you’re unaware of the cost, then just ask. I know mine have many times. I think I am going to print out the 4 Part apology and post it in the house until all of us begin to respond like this automatically! For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (818) 758-9450 or email us at info@westvalleycounseling.org, West Valley Counseling Center is located at 19634 Ventura Blvd.