I Made a Mistake

I forgot the hand stamp last night! I ususally stamp the children's hands as I sing goodbye to them but last night I forgot it at home! Now, Alfie Kohn in his book "Unconditional Parenting" suggests that we be quick to admit our errors to children and apologize. He even suggests that parents find something to apologize about to their children once a week. This sets a powerful example for children to follow when they feel sorry and want to make ammends. It also reminds them of the fact that adults are fallible. We need not feel inadequate if we make mistakes, we just feel human. And that is how they should feel when they make a humanly mistake. So, I forgot and apologized. My 3 and 4 year olds understood even though they were very disappointed. So, when they look at their clean hand, I hope they remember this mistake and how I apologized to them!