Sustainable Parenting | The kind and firm solution for resilient kids and dependable calm.

123. Why Forced Apologies Don’t Teach Kids Responsibility and What to Do Instead


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Tired of forcing your kids to say “I’m sorry,” only to have the apology come out flat, fake, or sarcastic? 

Do you find yourself insisting on the “right tone” until you are blue in the face, or even yelling at your child - and all the while the kid doesn't really seem to care?

Here's the deal, friend.  Most of the time, I've found apologizing doesn’t actually teach kids responsibility. It just teaches them how to act like they feel bad.  

In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast, we’ll dive into why traditional apologies are often worthless—and what to do instead. 

You’ll discover two powerful steps that actually help kids take ownership of their actions: making it right (repairing the harm in a meaningful way) and making a plan (practicing what to do differently next time).

From checking in with a sibling they’ve hurt, to helping rebuild a crashed tower, to practicing a respectful “do over” when grabbing a toy—these simple strategies build empathy, accountability, and real-life problem-solving skills.

If you’re ready to stop nagging, yelling or repeating your lectures about being more nice - today is the day to end empty apologies and begin using tools that raise confident and kind kids who truly know how to take responsibility for their actions and even mistakes.  

This episode is here to give you the simplified and sustainable parenting tools to unlock true maturity and growth in your child, while being the calm confident parent you've always wanted to be. 🫶🏼

Want more?

Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have. Together, we'll make a plan for your best next steps to have more calm & confidence in parenting - while having kids that listen!:)

✨NEW✨ pdfs and short video lessons on Respect, Bedtimes, Power Struggles and More: ON ETSY!

Download the FREE pdf. on getting kids to listen, for strategies that take you out of the "gentle mom - monster mom" cycle, with effective positive parenting strategies.

✨ Sign up for an upcoming LIVE ONLINE workshop with Flora, or purchase a past replay: https://sustainableparenting.com/workshop where you get 30 min. of learning and 30 min. of LIVE Q & A time, with replays sent afterwards.

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Sustainable Parenting | The kind and firm solution for resilient kids and dependable calm.By Flora McCormick, LCPC, Parenting Coach

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