Parenting Perspective 

Many parents hesitate to apologise to their children, fearing it might undermine their authority or show a lack of respect. In reality, a sincere apology from a parent models humility, fairness, and emotional strength. When offered thoughtfully, apologising can actually strengthen your authority because it shows that family values and rules apply to everyone, including parents. 

Focus on Your Action, Not Their Power 

When you apologise, be specific about your actions. You could say, “I am sorry that I raised my voice just now. I should have spoken more calmly.” This approach makes it clear that you are taking responsibility for your own behaviour, not handing over control of the situation to your child. The apology is about your conduct, not theirs. 

Use the Apology as a Teachable Moment 

Frame the apology as a lesson in character. You can explain, “Everyone makes mistakes, even parents. The most important thing is that we try to fix them. That is why I am saying sorry to you.” This teaches your child that apologising is about upholding values like integrity and respect, not about admitting weakness. 

Maintain Consistency with Boundaries 

Apologising for a mistake does not mean you have to abandon your family’s rules or boundaries. If your child has broken a rule, you can still uphold the consequence while apologising for your own emotional reaction. For example: “I am sorry that I became so angry. However, the rule about finishing your homework before playing games still stands.” This approach maintains your authority while modelling humility. 

Show That Apologies Strengthen Respect 

When children see their parents owning their mistakes, it builds a deep sense of trust and security. They learn that respect is not something demanded through fear, but something that is earned through fairness and integrity. This makes your parental authority more solid and long-lasting because it is built on a foundation of mutual respect. By apologising without compromising your boundaries, you show your child that strength and humility can go hand in hand, a lesson they will carry into all of their future relationships. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, offering an apology is never a sign of weakness but is instead a profound demonstration of humility and sincerity. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, despite his status as the greatest of all leaders, would apologise and make amends, teaching us that true humility strengthens leadership rather than diminishes it. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nisa (4), Verses 135: 

‘O you who are believers, remain upright in upholding justice, bearing witness (to such actions) for the sake of Allah (Almighty); even if it goes against your own interest, or that of your parents, or your close relatives…’ 

This verse reminds us that upholding justice includes being able to admit our own mistakes, even when it requires a great deal of humility. True fairness is not just for others; it is for us as well. The Prophet ﷺ also taught that the best of people are those with the best character. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 7472, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of people to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who had the best character.’ 

This teaches us that humility, fairness, and kindness are the qualities that elevate a person’s status in the sight of Allah Almighty, not stubbornness or pride. By apologising to your child when you are in the wrong, you demonstrate that true authority is built on a foundation of justice and noble character. Your child learns that leadership is not about being flawless but about being sincere, fair, and compassionate, qualities that strengthen both your role as a parent and their trust in you.