Parenting is a journey of learning, not just for our children—but for us too. In a role where we’re expected to guide, nurture, and protect, it’s easy to believe we must always get it right. But the truth is, we don’t. And one of the most powerful things we can do as parents is to acknowledge when we don’t.
The Lesson I Learned from My Daughter
Recently, during a family trip, my daughter fell and scraped her knee. Wanting to assess how serious the injury was, I gently but firmly insisted she try to stand. She was clearly in pain but followed my instruction because I was insistent. For the rest of the day, she struggled to walk, and we carried her or pushed her in a pram whenever possible.
Days later, back home, she brought the incident up. Calmly but clearly, she said, “I didn’t like that you made me stand up when I was hurt. You’re my mum—you should’ve just carried me.”
It hit me hard. Not because she was blaming me, but because she trusted me enough to tell me how she felt. And she was right.
Why It Matters to Acknowledge Our Mistakes
Too often, we assume that being a “good parent” means being in control, having all the answers, and never faltering. But our kids don’t need perfect parents. They need real ones—humans who make mistakes, admit them, and grow from them.
By apologizing to my daughter and acknowledging her pain, I gave her a powerful message:
- Her feelings are valid.
- Her voice matters—even to adults.
- It’s okay to hold someone accountable with love.
What Happens When We Say “I Was Wrong”
- We Model Accountability:
Children learn not just from what we say, but from what we do. When we own up to our mistakes, we show them how to take responsibility for theirs—with humility, not shame. - We Strengthen Trust:
Acknowledging a misstep tells our children, “You can trust me—even when I mess up, I’ll listen to you.” That’s a foundation for emotional safety. - We Encourage Emotional Expression:
By thanking my daughter for expressing herself, I made space for her voice. It reminded me how emotionally intelligent children can be, and how important it is to nurture that.
It’s Not About Being Perfect—It’s About Being Present
As parents, we will make mistakes. We will get impatient. We will misjudge situations. What matters most is how we respond afterward. A heartfelt “I’m sorry” can go a long way in healing more than just physical wounds.
Children don’t need us to be infallible. They need us to be honest.
So next time your child points something out—pause. Listen. Reflect. And if they’re right, you can say-
“You’re right. I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry.”
You’ll be amazed at how healing that can be—for both of you.
Because real parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.
Mom On The Rise 