My kids know I mess up. They are under no illusion or false pretense that I have it all under control. When I make mistakes that involve them, I speak out my apology, look them in the eye and ask forgiveness. If I fumble or act out of line to my own mother, my hubby, a friend or stranger who received an obnoxious reaction from me, they see me acknowledge my errors in judgment. They are witness to my penitential ways. I have nothing to hide.
The thing is when we set an example that we are willing to admit fault and own up to our actions we are teaching our children the strength and grace of saying sorry when no other words can take its place. We are preparing them for the world, where mistakes happen and grace is needed.
It’s not a matter of who is right or wrong. It’s not about being the perfect mother. For when we acknowledge the times when we hurt with our words, react without thinking and don’t put our best foot forward we are better than perfect, we are real.
Cheers, Jenny