http://www.lionswhiskers.com/2011/05/5-minute-courage-workout-saying-im.html A parenting coach and a children's book author discuss raising their kids to have courage for the challenges on the path ahead Tue, 02 Jun 2015 06:55:00 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.8 http://www.lionswhiskers.com/2011/05/5-minute-courage-workout-saying-im.html#comment-134 Fri, 13 May 2011 04:39:00 +0000 http://www.lionswhiskers.com/?p=130#comment-134 Thanks Barbaloot for your comment about the importance of non-verbal apologies!I am also not a fan of "forcing" children to saying "I'm sorry," especially prematurely.But modeling these kind words, that are not meant to be a bandaid to heal all wounds or to be a casual throw-away, is important in laying the moral foundation for every child. Often I allow a child a choice of how and when they would like to apologize; but first we seek to understand what happened, why an apology might be needed, and seek to build empathy in interpersonal relationships.

]]> http://www.lionswhiskers.com/2011/05/5-minute-courage-workout-saying-im.html#comment-133 Fri, 13 May 2011 03:35:00 +0000 http://www.lionswhiskers.com/?p=130#comment-133 My son's day care was big on teaching the kids to apologize if they hurt each other.They had them say 'I'm sorry' and also give a hug.Quite often, my son (age two and a half) will refuse to say the words but will give a hug instead.It works!He had his first encounter with sand recently, and threw some at an older boy (5 or 6).When I corrected him and asked him to say sorry, he hugged the other boy, who was really charmed by it once I explained that was his way of saying sorry.My son will chat away with me, but doesn't always feel comfortable talking around new people.And just like I give him a kiss where he has an ouchie, if he hurts me and I tell him, he'll give me a kiss on the ouchie spot.These non-verbals 'sorrys' can communicate very clearly.

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