I came home without apologizing to my child.
At family gatherings, I sometimes speak sharply to my child, then swallow my apology because the adults are there.
Scenes
- I snapped at my child in front of the adults. — At a family gathering, the child asked the same question three times. In front of the adults, the parent sharply told them to stop asking.
- The words stayed with me after we left. — The parent couldn’t say anything to the child during the rest of the meal. Even after they got home, the parent couldn’t bring it up.
- An apology doesn’t have to bring up what your child did wrong. — The parent can take responsibility for raising their voice. The child asking several times and the parent’s apology can be addressed separately.
- Apologize for those words first today — “I sharply told you to stop asking in front of the adults earlier. I’m sorry.” Keep it brief, then listen to what your child says.
- You can talk about it again after apologizing — One apology doesn’t settle everything from the gathering. If your child brings it up again, you can listen together to what still bothers them.
Stories by Cheongun
- Cheongun
- When childhood comes up, we say less as we each search for an answer.
- On my birthday morning, the talk turns to caring for my parents again
- When someone believes you’re in pain
- Different standards for tidiness, choosing dinner at the convenience store
- In the waiting room, before deciding who should apologize
- I’m not sure how much to tell my spouse about the get-together with my friends.
- When I bring up the money I lent, our walk comes to a stop.
- I get short with you when I’m driving.