Parenting Perspective 

Admitting that you were wrong in front of your children is not a sign of weakness; in fact, it is one of the most powerful lessons you can teach them about accountability. Children often hear adults disagree, but they rarely get to witness the process of real repair. Saying ‘I was wrong’ to your spouse in a sincere and calm way teaches your children that mistakes are a normal part of life and that respect is restored through humility. 

Keep It Simple and Sincere 

Use a clear and simple phrase, such as, ‘I was wrong to speak to you that way earlier’, without adding any excuses or justifications. The focus should be on taking responsibility, not on explaining away your mistake. 

Show Warmth and Reassurance 

Pair your words with a warm and gentle tone. Children are very sensitive to the feeling behind your words, and your sincerity will be conveyed through your calm delivery and body language. 

Avoid Over-explaining 

Your children do not need to hear the full story behind the disagreement. Keep the apology focused on the principle of making amends. Oversharing can be confusing or burdensome for a child. 

Reinforce Your Unity 

After apologising, you can add a short, reassuring line that rebuilds the sense of strength in your partnership. For example, ‘We are a team, and we will do better together’. 

Return to Normal Routines 

Moving smoothly back into your normal family life after an apology shows your children that making amends brings stability and peace, not awkwardness. When children witness this, they learn that love is not about perfection, but about honesty and repair. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam honours humility and the willingness to admit one’s mistakes. The act of saying ‘I was wrong’ is a reflection of the justice and truthfulness that Allah commands, and it helps to cultivate mercy and softness within family life. 

A Quranic Reminder on Repentance 

The Quran teaches that admitting an error and taking steps to correct it is a virtuous act that is beloved to Allah and is a path to receiving His mercy. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 159: 

‘ Indeed, those people who conceal what We (Allah Almighty) have revealed with clear evidence and guidance, even after We (Allah Almighty) have made it self-explanatory for mankind in the Scriptures (noble Quran); those are the ones who are condemned by Allah (Almighty), and continually condemned by those (people who declare) their condemnation of them.‘ 

This reminds us that admitting our faults is a path to forgiveness. 

The Prophetic Teaching on Humility 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that humbling oneself for the sake of Allah does not decrease a person’s honour, but actually increases it. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2588, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises him in status.’ 

This teaches us that acknowledging a fault and humbling oneself increases, not decreases, our honour in the sight of Allah. 

By stating ‘I was wrong’ sincerely, you are giving your children a living example of humility, repair, and mercy. They will grow up understanding that strength lies not in never making a mistake, but in restoring relationships with love.