Can Apologising to My Child Make Them More Willing to Apologise? 

Parenting Perspective 

Yes, absolutely. Children learn far more from what they observe in their parents’ behaviour than from what they are told. When you apologise sincerely, you demonstrate that an apology is not a sign of weakness but is instead an expression of maturity and care. Over time, this powerful modelling makes children more open and willing to apologise themselves, as they come to see it as a normal and respected behaviour. 

Modelling Builds Positive Habits 

When you say to your child, “I am sorry that I became frustrated earlier. I will try to be calmer next time,” your child is able to observe honesty and humility in action. They internalise the idea that apologising is a safe and respected act, not something to be embarrassed about. 

Normalising Apologies in Daily Life 

If apologies are a regular and normal part of interactions within your home, children will grow up seeing them as a natural component of family life. This makes them less likely to become defensive or resistant when it is their turn to say sorry. They learn from experience that apologies are part of what keeps relationships strong, not a sign of defeat. 

Creating a Culture of Mutual Respect 

By apologising to your child when you are in the wrong, you are actively teaching them about mutual respect. They learn that their feelings are valid and important, and in turn, they begin to show that same consideration and respect to others when they make their own mistakes. 

Encouraging Emotional Courage 

Children can often resist apologising because of pride. Seeing a parent offer an apology with calmness and confidence teaches them that real courage is found in humility and in taking responsibility for one’s actions. 

Through your consistent and sincere modelling, the act of apologising becomes a powerful lesson that makes your children more willing, and more sincere, when offering their own apologies. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, children are profoundly shaped by the character and behaviour of their parents. When parents embody the virtues of humility, sincerity, and fairness in their daily lives, they are planting these same qualities in their children’s hearts. Apologising to your child becomes both an act of mercy and a powerful form of teaching by example. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ahzaab (33), Verses 21: 

‘Indeed, there is for you (O mankind) in (the personality of) the Messenger of Allah (Almighty) (Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), an outstanding example of incredible benevolence; it is for those people that have hope in Allah (Almighty) and the Day of Judgment, and (desire) to remember Allah (Almighty) excessively.’ 

This verse reminds us that the best and most effective teaching often comes through a living example. Parents reflect this prophetic principle when they model righteous and humble behaviour for their children to witness and learn from. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also specifically instructed believers to be merciful to the young. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4943, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our little ones and respect our elders.’ 

This teaches us that showing mercy and humility towards our children is an integral part of our faith. Demonstrating this care through a sincere apology inspires them to carry those same beautiful values forward in their own lives. When children see that their parents practise what they teach admitting mistakes, apologising sincerely, and showing mercy they are far more likely to mirror that behaviour. In this way, apologising to your child does not diminish your authority; it nurtures humility, empathy, and sincerity in the next generation.