Parenting Perspective 

Toddlers have a natural tendency to copy words without fully grasping their meaning. When teaching them to apologise, the focus should therefore be less on the word ‘sorry’ itself and more on helping them connect that word with genuine emotions and restorative actions. At this tender age, simplicity and repetition are the most effective tools. 

Keep It Short, Simple, and Gentle 

Use very simple language that your toddler can easily repeat, such as, “You hurt them. Let’s say sorry.” When you model the phrase, do so slowly and with a caring tone in your voice. Over time, they will begin to imitate not only the word but also the gentle feeling you convey with it. 

Link the Word to Comforting Actions 

Toddlers are kinaesthetic learners who understand concepts best through physical actions. Encourage them to combine the word ‘sorry’ with a kind gesture, such as giving a hug, sharing a toy, or gently patting the person they have upset. This helps them understand that an apology is not just a sound they make, but a way of repairing hurt through kindness. 

Use Role-Play During Playtime 

You can seamlessly integrate the concept of apology into everyday play using dolls or other toys. For instance, you could narrate a scenario like, “Oh dear, the teddy bear took the car from the bunny. The teddy says sorry and gives the car back.” These small, imaginative scenarios help toddlers grasp the idea of mending relationships in a low-pressure and playful context. 

Praise All Genuine Attempts 

Whenever your toddler makes an effort to say sorry, even if it is a little clumsy or prompted, offer them warm and immediate praise. Saying, “Good job saying sorry! That helps your sister feel happy again,” provides powerful positive reinforcement. This praise builds the habit and helps them see that apologies are a wonderful tool for restoring love and harmony. 

By keeping the concept of apology simple, linking it with physical actions, and reinforcing it with love, toddlers gradually begin to understand that ‘sorry’ is more than just a word; it is a way of showing care for the people they love. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that seeking forgiveness and mending relationships are noble qualities that should be nurtured from the very beginning of a child’s life. Even if a toddler cannot comprehend the full spiritual weight of an apology, this early training plants the seeds of humility, compassion, and accountability in their developing character. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Shuraa (42), Verses 40: 

‘And the outcome (of defending) against an evil, (could be the formation) of an evil similar to it; so therefore, whoever offers amnesty and reconciliation, then his reward shall be with Allah (Almighty)…’ 

This verse reminds us that the act of reconciliation is greater than retaliation and choosing to forgive and make peace brings a reward that is directly from Allah. Teaching a toddler to say sorry is one of the first steps in instilling this profound Islamic value of mending bonds. The Sunnah also highlights the virtue of taking the initiative to restore peace. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, 6077, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The one who is the first to greet is free from pride’ 

This beautiful Hadith teaches us that taking the first step towards making peace, whether through a greeting or an apology, is a sign of true humility, not weakness. By helping toddlers practise these small acts of apology, parents are laying the foundational bricks of an Islamic character. Even simple words like ‘sorry’ can become acts of worship when they are linked to the intention of showing kindness and humility. As the child grows, this foundation will help them understand that apologising sincerely is a beautiful way of pleasing Allah Almighty and keeping their heart pure.