Humility & Admitting Mistakes As a Parent

Hope Children’s Home (hopechildrenshome.org) is a Tampa, Florida-based nonprofit organization that has provided board and care for children in need for over a half-century. In the article “8 Ways to Win Your Child’s Heart,” Hope Children’s Home executive director Dr. Mike Higgins draws on his three decades of experience in ministering to teens and children and serving as a licensed counselor.

One of the primary points he stresses is that respecting and honoring children is essential. This involves giving sensible praise when they have earned it. At the same time, parents should place themselves at the child’s level and try to understand their perspective.

If you are a parent, it’s important to realize that there is not always a definite right or wrong for every situation. What often wins over a difficult or unruly child is the sense that you are truly listening, even if your opinions differ.

In addition, it’s important to understand that there is no perfect being and that parents make mistakes, too, more frequently than we would like to admit. When you have lost your temper or said something that you later regretted, the best tactic is to face your child and admit that you were in the wrong. Refrain from the tendency to employ words that shift or lessen the blame, such as “if” and “but.” Not only will this humble approach win your child’s heart, but it will set a positive example of taking responsibility for your actions.