I want to first say that I am not pointing a finger at any specific person. I direct this to anyone who has children. This includes myself.

One of the promises I made to my son when he was born, was to admit when I was wrong. I’ve had to do this a few times now and my son is only two years old. When I recognize something that I’ve said that was either incorrect, showed a bias, said in anger or could potentially become a “Dream Killer,” I have immediately stopped, looked my son in his eyes and apologized. I tell him that Daddy was wrong for what he said or did, then correct myself. I ask my two year old son for forgiveness and make sure that he understands what I did or said was wrong.

Now this is something that some people have a hard time doing. But it shouldn’t be this way. If you really think about it, your child and/or children will actually listen, love, honor and respect you more when you openly admit when you’re wrong, apologize and ask for their forgiveness.

We are all depended on each other, just like the world community is depended on each other. The simple phrase, “I’m Sorry” or “I was wrong” is more redemptive than never admitting that you’re wrong or pretending that it didn’t happen, wishing it just goes away. It’s even healthier than holding a grudge.

I love my son as much as life. God appointed me to be one of the two major authority figures in his life. As his father, I’m held responsible for molding him into what a man is supposed to be. If I don’t do it, who will? Who will be his example if it’s not me?

Some people were taught that you don’t apologize to your children. Your parents may disagree with this, but ask them if they can recall when they said or did something that they knew was wrong, but didn’t correct themselves. Especially, when the issue was pointed out. Hopefully this question will help you to realize that you have to change this destructive philosophy. Children are smart and understand more than you give them credit.

Being a parent is difficult, but being a responsible parent is challenging. When God appoints you with this responsibility you have to take it seriously. It is very easy to use the same tactics that your parents used. It’s very easy to find yourself saying the things that your parents said to you again to your children. But if what you’re saying is not right, then point it out and apologize, then ask for forgiveness. What you’re teaching your child is accountability, forgiveness, humbleness, respect and value.