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February 15, 2012 by: Shell

Pour Your Heart Out: When Sorry Isn’t Enough

I'm sorryCub(3), bumped into Monkey(6) as they were headed into the kitchen for breakfast yesterday. He said “Sorry, my guy.”

Instead of saying “It’s okay,” Monkey responded with “I accept your apology.”

Shortly after breakfast, Bear(5) decided that it was time for a showdown, their term for wrestling. He ended up making Monkey cry.
Bear did say he was sorry.

But, Monkey replied with “I DON’T accept your apology. Now you have to do something to make me feel better.”

I was taken aback and then I remembered what his kindergarten teacher had taught his class last year.

When someone does something to another kindergartener, they have to say “I’m sorry.”

But, the response is NOT to be “That’s okay.”

Instead, they choose to say “I accept your apology” or “I don’t accept your apology.”

Sometimes it’s something simple: apology accepted. And other times, well, a simple “I’m sorry” doesn’t cut it.

And so the offender needs to do something to make up for it until the one who was hurt by them can say that they accept the apology.

A kindergarten lesson. But, it really hit me.

How many times has someone hurt me and they think that saying “I’m sorry” makes it all okay? They say “I’m sorry” and I feel like I have to reply “That’s okay” even when it’s NOT okay.

And how many times have I hurt someone and yet just said “I’m sorry” and moved along like that was enough?

Unintential slights, a misunderstanding, an accident: sorry should be enough.

But, having the ability to say “I’m sorry” doesn’t make it okay to truly hurt someone. Sometimes sorry isn’t enough.

Kindergarteners know this.

I’m going to learn from them.

 

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Comments

  1. Jayme says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:20 am

    It’s such an automatic reflex to just say ‘It’s okay’ when someone says they are sorry. I found myself saying it when people would tell me they were sorry for my loss when my baby died- and I was so NOT okay at the time.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:06 pm

      It feels rude not to automatically say “It’s okay,” but really- sometimes it’s really NOT okay.

  2. Kristen says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:20 am

    Oh my gosh! I LOVE that lesson. And I LOVE that they don’t just say, “its ok.” Because I do that all the time. I am going to teach my kids this. Seriously – what a great post… Gotta run! Kristen

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:06 pm

      I do, too- like a reflex. And then I cringe b/c I don’t mean it.

  3. Alison@Mama Wants This says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:22 am

    That is a GREAT lesson. Yes, sometimes just the words aren’t enough – it’s the intention behind the words. 

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:07 pm

      I’m so impressed with that teacher. 

  4. angela says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:25 am

    It’s so true that it’s automatic to throw out the, “It’s ok.” Even when it’s not ok. I like that idea. I do say it to Abbey sometimes, because I want her to learn that saying, “I’m sorry,” doesn’t automatically erase her actions or words. It’s not that easy sometimes.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:07 pm

      It is a reflex. One that I never really thought about. 

  5. Evonne says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:28 am

    I think “it’s ok” is an automatic response, just like a mom saying she’s tired when someone asks how she is.  This is a great lesson because sometimes it’s not ok.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:07 pm

      Well, I pretty much am always tired. 😉 

      • Evonne says

        February 15, 2012 at 6:27 pm

        Ya, me too.  There’s always other things going on I could talk about, but being tired always wins

  6. Denise says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:29 am

    Very true that sorry after the fact isn’t always enough. The kindergarteners are pretty smart

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:07 pm

      They are! 

  7. Melissa says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:35 am

    It’s funny how your PYHO is such a fitting compliment to mine. Even if the person I wanted to write about miraculously said she was sorry, it wouldn’t be enough. For me, I am working on the love, if not for this person, then for the love of my babies, my husband, & me–because moving through it, through forgiveness or through something else, is what our family needs.

    Thank you for reminding me of the wisdom if children!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:08 pm

      Definitely have to move through it, for the good of our families, but it still doesn’t make it all okay with just a simple apology. 

  8. Debra says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:36 am

    It’s funny how kids have this wise wisdom of only a few years! “I’m sorry” sometimes just isn’t good enough – there is too much history behind the hurt for two words to overcome. We’ve all been on the giving and receiving end of this….hopefully we’re all striving to a world where we don’t intentionally hurt each other – and that instead of “I’m sorry” we’re saying “I love you!”

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:09 pm

      Learning our actions can have lasting consequences on relationships is such an important lesson.

  9. Jocelyn | ScooterMarie says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:37 am

    That is such a sweet story. Isn’t it amazing what we can learn from kids, when we usually think we adults are the ones who know everything? I think I’m going to take a lesson from those kindergartners too. 

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:09 pm

      Kids are so smart. 🙂 

  10. The Mommy Therapy says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:49 am

    Very important lesson to learn! My high school tennis coach used to get on us if we yelled, “It’s OK,” when someone made a mistake. I have never forgot her lesson that making a mistake isn’t OK, but it does happen and we all need to work on correcting them.

    Apparently your kindergartner is just advanced in his lessons learned. 🙂

    Thanks for hosting today!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:09 pm

      Gotta love teacher/coach wisdom on this one!

  11. Motherhood on the Rocks says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:55 am

    I never thought about it like that, but it’s so true. Such a good lesson!

    Thanks for posting and for the linky.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:10 pm

      I really hadn’t, either. The wisdom of kids!

  12. Elizabeth Hewatt says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:00 am

    We are trying to teach our children to say, “I forgive you.” It doesn’t make it okay, but I also want them to learn to forgive and not hold grudges. In the end, staying angry only will hurt them, but it is a hard lesson!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:10 pm

      So very true. Staying mad doesn’t help anyone.

  13. Lori says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:04 am

    Can you delete #21? I guess I wasn’t paying attention when I linked up and goofed up! Sorry about that.

  14. Natalie says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:05 am

    I’m having to teach Cheeks that same lesson.  She does things & thinks by simply saying “I’m Sorry” she’s automatically forgiven.   As you know, life isn’t that simple.  
    So now we have a new phrase “Sorry doesn’t cut it.”  

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:11 pm

      Very smart to say that. 

      In some cases, I want my kids to learn what grace is, but in others, I want them to see that their actions have consequences.

  15. tracy@sellabitmum says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:09 am

    This is such a hard thing to teach…and I still get it wrong. Love this.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:11 pm

      Oh, me, too. 

  16. Carolyn says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:09 am

    What a great reminder. Just saying sorry isn’t enough if it isn’t genuine. 

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:11 pm

      So true. 

  17. Barbara says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:17 am

    I love this!  It’s true that sometimes “sorry” isn’t enough, but we let it slide.  I think we have a lot to learn from kindergarteners. 

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:12 pm

      And sometimes it’s okay to let it slide- that’s showing grace. But, our kids need to learn that sometimes, they need to do more than that. 

  18. Where is the ME in Mommy? says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Holy crow–powerful stuff.  I find myself saying “that’s okay” all the time in response to “I’m sorry” and you are right–saying sorry doesn’t make anything okay.    I’m gonna be learning from your kindergartner too!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:12 pm

      It’s like an automatic reflex to say it. 

  19. Elizabeth Flora Ross says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:33 am

    I love this! A pet peeve of mine is when I make my preschooler apologize and the adult of the child she is addressing says, “It’s OK.” Which is normally followed by something like, “It’s totally normal for their age.” I know that, but I am trying to teach my child is is NOT OK to (push, hit, take a toy, etc ). She needs to learn those lessons, and when another adult tells her it’s OK, it makes me crazy!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      So true- things shouldn’t just be brushed off like they are no big deal. At least, not all the time. That won’t teach them anything.

  20. Lisa says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:33 am

    So true Shel. Sometimes it takes the innocence of our kids to figure out lessons we should have known all along.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      I definitely learn so much from my kids. They have a simple way of putting things.

  21. Jennifer says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:35 am

    I tell my Big Girl, “sorry doesn’t change what happened.” I want her to know that throwing out a quick “I’m sorry” doesn’t fix what is wrong or change the fact that something happened. You have to think ahead and consider your actions before they happen.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      You are a smart mama. 🙂 

  22. Jessica says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:56 am

    What a great lesson!! I agree, sometimes it takes more than just saying “Im sorry”

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:14 pm

      It’s a balance between showing grace and teaching responsibility for their actions.

  23. Emmy says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:05 am

    Oh I like that- what a great thing to learn at a young age.  Plus it makes them more accountable and to really think about what happened.  

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:14 pm

      It definitely does make them think more about it. 

  24. Diana @ A Little Bit of Life says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:18 am

    I always say that if you say sorry without actually changing something then it is meaningless. There are also times where I don’t say sorry myself because I’m not. Harsh, but true!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:14 pm

      The words themselves have to have meaning or it’s pointless.

  25. Teresa says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:22 am

    That is an awesome lesson. My kids say “I forgive you” or ” I DON’T FORGIVE YOU!!” I don’t even rememebr teaching them that, but I like it.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:15 pm

      I like that, too!

  26. Lady Lazarus says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:28 am

    I’m one of those people who frequently says “It’s okay” because it seems easier (and nicer) than saying it’s not okay. Which is ridiculous: If I’m hurt by another person’s words or actions, then they need to know that and know that what they did was not acceptable. This is definitely a good lesson to learn.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:15 pm

      I feel like I have to say it or it seems rude. But, I’m learning to not automatically say it. It belittles my feelings. 

  27. The Secret Life Of A Single Mom says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:35 am

    I once read this story of a couple…one had done something that seemed unforgiveable. Upon talking to a friend and explaining what he had done, the friend turns to him and says…”you just expect her to say it’s ok and act like it didn’t change things? You can’t just expect that you will be forgiven because you said you were sorry. Because you have taken the control of the choice away from her. The guy says..how? His friend replies, when you say you’re sorry, you are still controlling the apology. You are not allowing them to truly make that decision to accept it. Go back to her and say these three words…Please, forgive me! When asking to be forgiven, in this way, you are giving up all control and allowing the person whom you wronged to have total control of their decision to FORGIVE you. 

    This story has remained with me ever since I read it…because I never stopped to think there was a difference. Thank you for reminding me that this act has no age…we should teach our children this difference!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:16 pm

      Oh, I LOVE that! 

  28. Helene says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:46 am

    I love that!  Such a powerful lesson that we can all learn from.  I never even really thought about it but I almost always say, “It’s okay” after someone apologizes or “don’t worry about it”.   And I’m someone who apologized even if something isn’t my fault.  

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:16 pm

      I used to, too. I’m trying to really think before I respond. Sometimes it’s okay and sometimes, it’s really not.

  29. mle says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:59 am

    It’s good to teach the kiddos that saying sorry doesn’t always clear things up but, following the sorry with behavior change does! 

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:16 pm

      Proving they have learned from it or really see what they did wrong is a good lesson.

  30. tricia says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    SUCH a good point, friend. I’ve always had an issue with people’s approval and so if they’ve done something to hurt me and then apologize, I’m ALWAYS quick to say “it’s okay” but my feelings and heart don’t always match that. Thanks for giving me something to think about and also the freedom to NOT say “it’s okay” when it isn’t.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:17 pm

      I try to pause before automatically saying it. B/c we have a right to be hurt sometimes. 

  31. Emily says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:25 pm

    I say “it’s ok” too much as well.  This is a great post!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:17 pm

      Like a reflex. One that we should think about.

  32. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:38 pm

    I love this post. I know someone who does the most horrible things – will call you awful names and do things of malicious intent, and then she thinks that because she says she’s sorry it’s okay. But it’s not okay. It’s never okay to cause harm to others – and if you’re sorry, then you need to change and stop doing so. Perfectly written, Shell!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:19 pm

      No, it’s really not okay.

      The little things, the unintentional- absolutely.

      But I’m sorry doesn’t fix everything.

  33. Frelle says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    your son showed that there’s power in the words “i forgive you”.  i try to say them when someone genuinely apologizes… and I dont say them until I can mean it for real.  im so glad you wrote about this.  Its important.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:19 pm

      I’m very impressed with the wisdom of kids. 

  34. Jenny says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    It is so amazing what our children teach us on a daily basis. They are so untouched by the real world that it actually helps us put things in perspective. Such sweet boys you have!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      They cut right to the heart of things.

  35. gin says

    February 15, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    I would like to shake the teacher’s hand who taught the kids that. Knowing when to accept an apology and knowing when it’s not enough is a tough skill to learn and I loved that she introduced it at such a young age.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      She really is amazing. My middle son has her this year. And if I have my way, my youngest will have her, too.

  36. Mamatink says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:09 pm

    I love this post and also the post that it refers back to. I can accept apologies any day, but they must be heartfelt or don’t bother. I can hold a grudge for years, and it changes our relationship, but if it does, then it wasn’t meant to last after all.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:20 pm

      If it’s genuine, I have no problem with it. But the brushing aside of hurt like it’s no big deal- I have a serious issue with.

  37. Mrs. Jen B says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:23 pm

    What a great lesson! And honestly, it’s something I’ve tried to put into words in my marriage so many times.  It usually involves trivial things – destroying a piece of cookware, throwing out something I needed, shrinking a sweater – you know, the stuff you eventually move on over.  But at the time, I’m upset.  And sure, I know he’s sorry – but that doesn’t magically make things okay.  I’m still peeved.  And he doesn’t seem to understand that.  I can only imagine how more important issues would feel…

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:21 pm

      No- we need to time to really get over it first. 

  38. Andrea says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    I love this post. It’s perfectly written and so so true – thanks for the wake-up-call and reminder.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:21 pm

      Love the kindergarten wisdom. 🙂

  39. Oka says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    Many life lessons can be learned through kindergarten.

    I am also trying to teach my kids that God wants us to forgive.  Doesn’t mean we will let others continue the wrong things to us, but he wants us to forgive…no matter how hard it is.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:23 pm

      Forgiveness and grace are important lessons, too. I’m trying to balance these with my kids. Have them be shown love/grace and forgive them when they’ve done something, but other times, let them see that the choices they make can really hurt someone and that a simple apology does not make it all magically okay.

  40. Angie says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    I wish I would have the guts to say “I do not accept your apology” to people sometimes.

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:23 pm

      I used to automatically say “It’s okay.” But, I’m learning to wait. I might not have the guts to say that I don’t accept it, but I try to let my silence speak. 

  41. Natalie says

    February 15, 2012 at 1:38 pm

    This is so true. Some people just use it as a reflex not that they are seriously sorry. What a lesson a kindergartener can teach us!

    • Shell says

      February 15, 2012 at 2:24 pm

      It really does become a reflex- and diminishes what we feel. 

  42. RoryBore says

    February 15, 2012 at 2:55 pm

    My kids follow this basic principle of I am sorry, followed by I forgive you. But I have always stressed “amends” too. not for simple accidents and such, but if a real hurt has occurred: either physically or emotionally – there has to be amends. My oldest 2 can really get nasty at times and say things that are mean. In addition to saying sorry, they must say something, or do something nice for the other person as a way to make amends. (This often results in 7 yr. old son reading several Dora books to younger sister, so he is normally very careful about what he says!) If a boo-boo has happened – they help take care of it; even if it is simply fetching a band-aid or cold pack.
    As for us adults – we are estranged from a family member right now because sorry is not enough. To be back in “right relationship”, much more has to occur. It is not that we don’t forgive them, just that more is required to make it okay again. Otherwise, I am quite certain this individual will simply repeat the offense. When someone is truly sorry — it should never happen again. period.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:34 pm

      So true- a change in actions is needed.

  43. Jaime says

    February 15, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    I don’t apologize easily. It may be because there are so many times where I’ve said “That’s OK.” but not meant it. I say I’m sorry whenit means something. Sometimes it may take a day or two but it will almost always come.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:34 pm

      I think it’s better to wait til you actually mean it.

  44. Danielle says

    February 15, 2012 at 3:13 pm

    It’s amazing how our kids can teach us lessons that should seem so obvious. I think the words “I’m sorry” are so over used it has generated the “It’s okay” response. I noticed this a few months ago and I work hard to stand up for myself and allow my children to do the same. 

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:35 pm

      It’s like  meaningless reflex a lot of the time. 

  45. Life As Wife says

    February 15, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    Accepting an apology means you’re forgiving them but not forgetting. If someone has to say I’m sorry that usually means they hurt you (intentional or not.) I don’t like saying “it’s ok” because that hurt is not ok…

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:35 pm

      Good way to put it. 

  46. Maggie S. says

    February 15, 2012 at 3:49 pm

    I think we all get it when we are kindergartners. It is long years and lots of managing relationships later that we forget. This week my husband’s friend said something terrible to me. After Mickey explained to him, the guy came and apologized and hugged me tight and cried, because he never would want to hurt anyone. This was a rare experience in friendship and faith for me.

    You are right. A simple sorry wouldn’t have been enough. Sometimes, there has to be a public demonstration of desire to receive the grace of forgiveness.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:36 pm

      Kids do probably get it easier- b/c they are more honest with their emotions. As adults, we end up thinking about how it will look if we don’t say “that’s okay.”

  47. julie gardner says

    February 15, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    I love this post, Shell.

    I kind of want my fourteen-year-old son to read it. Because he’s been known to push my buttons…like ALL afternoon…because that’s the kind of kid he is and I’ve known that for fourteen years. But.

    Sometimes, when he’s gone too far and I he knows he’s made me angry he’ll say, “Why do you even want me to apologize? You won’t accept it.”

    And he’s right. Sometimes I’m still upset. Even after he’s said “I’m sorry.”
    And then I feel really small and immature.

    I’ve tried to explain to him that sometimes, after there’s been a cumulative effect of hurt feelings or frustration, his quick apology doesn’t cut it. I’m still hurt. Or frustrated. And I sometimes need more time to get over it.

    This post made me realize I’m not completely crazy for needing him to do or say something to actually make me feel better. And vice versa, I suppose.

    (Is it wrong that this was about kindergartners and I made it about me? A grown up? Ha!
    I could just relate. A lot.)

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:38 pm

      I was thinking about it in terms of me, too. 😉 

      I think our kids(and us adults too) need to learn that just because we can say “I’m sorry” doesn’t make it okay to hurt people. And that those two little words don’t fix everything.

  48. Kimberly says

    February 15, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    It’s definitely an automatic response, but your kids are right. Sometimes it’s not just okay.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:39 pm

      Total reflex. Trying to think about it more now.

  49. JDaniel4's Mom says

    February 15, 2012 at 5:21 pm

    I love this idea. We have JDaniel say, “Will you forgive me?”

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:39 pm

      I like that phrasing.

  50. jenn @ so this is love says

    February 15, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Wow. This is so true! I always say “oh it’s ok!” even when it’s really not. Great post. Thank you.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      That “it’s okay” is such a reflex. 

  51. Pamela says

    February 15, 2012 at 5:45 pm

    In recent years (a long time learning this lesson), I’ve been learning to sometimes say “Thank you for your apology” instead of “That’s okay.” Because in some cases, it’s not really okay. But I do appreciate the effort…for the most part. Usually, what I really want is for the person to empathize with my feelings; to take time to understand why I was hurt, and to change if change is warranted. Great post! What a smart lesson; our little people can be so wise sometimes!

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      I like saying it like that- going to have to remember it. 

  52. Jessica says

    February 15, 2012 at 5:50 pm

    A very good lesson learned from Kindergarten. Sorry sometimes isn’t enough to right the wrong that was done. Sometimes it takes more than just words. 

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      Sometimes it just seems like empty words. 

  53. Leigh Powell Hines (Hines-Sight Blog) says

    February 15, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    Lesson well learned. I need to think more about that, too.

    • Leigh Powell Hines (Hines-Sight Blog) says

      February 15, 2012 at 9:44 pm

      I will have to ask my son if they do this, too.

      • Shell says

        February 16, 2012 at 2:43 pm

        I thought it was a great lesson for the teacher to teach them.

  54. MiMi says

    February 15, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    That’s a very good lesson to learn and to learn so young!! Smart boy. 🙂

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:43 pm

      He definitely made me think.

  55. Jessie Powell says

    February 15, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    I like that teacher and her willingness to not let kids just hurt each other willy nilly. I suspect My take on this is that the injured party and the one doing harm need to have a kind of equal relationship for ‘sorry’ ‘i don’t accept that, now do something for me’ to not turn into something more ugly than the original confrontation. But I suspect that the teacher has that kind of built into her system. It would definitely help my youngest hellion get a sense of exactly what he has DONE to people sometimes.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      No, she definitely keeps a close eye on it. 

  56. Angel says

    February 15, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    Oh I know that feeling all too well. Yeah we let it go rather then admit we are truly hurt and wounded and then we do the same thing to someone else…

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      So much easier to just say “it’s okay,” but sometimes, it’s truly not.

  57. Kristen says

    February 15, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    Wish we could all be as smart as that! I’ve heard too many apologies that were not as heartfelt as they should have been.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:45 pm

      I’m sorry is sometimes just an empty phrase.

  58. Natalie @MamaTrack says

    February 15, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    I love this concept. I’m totally going to steal it. Because it’s true–sometimes sorry is fine. And sometimes, it takes more.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:46 pm

      With the little things, sorry is enough… but we all need to realize that we need to do more sometimes. 

  59. Queen Bee says

    February 15, 2012 at 9:08 pm

    I love your post! It’s so true sometimes it’s not okay. I haven’t thought about this in such simple terms but I love the way they taught it.  I make my children apologize but the person on the receiving end always has the finally say in how they respond since they are the ones hurt! Thanks for pouring your heart out and sharing this lesson! 

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:46 pm

      His teacher was really good about things like this. 

  60. Rach (DonutsMama) says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:44 pm

    Wow, that’s a really big lesson for a kindergartner. And a good one too.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:47 pm

      It really is- probably the best thing he learned. 

  61. Making It Work Mom says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    I hate the idea that we teach children that saying “sorry” makes it okay and that you can say sorry even if you don’t really mean it.  My oldest was a little bit of an aggressive and vengeful child.  Her teachers would get so mad because she refused to say sorry when she felt someone was getting what they deserved.  I used to tell them I would talk to my daughter about the way she handled her emotions, but I would never make her say sorry jut to get “out of trouble”.

    Your Monkey is a smart boy.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:48 pm

      When it’s just empty words, I don’t really see the point.

  62. Jamie says

    February 15, 2012 at 10:52 pm

    This is something I haven’t thought about in a really really long time.  Great topic.  It’s true though, there are so many times when a “I’m Sorry” just doesn’t cut it.  Where you realize they said “I’m sorry,” but you know they’re really not sorry, or they really didn’t realize the pain or hurt or damaged they caused. 

    And not to mention the times where one too many “sorry’s” come.  

    But during those moments, what do we say instead? Do we confront it, do we act pissed off, or do we just take their sorry and back away full speed ahead. 

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      It’s very hard to know how to react. 

  63. Heather H says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:08 pm

    Great post, and absolutely true. Sometimes an “I’m sorry” isn’t enough…although sometimes when I’m the one in the wrong (I know, shocking but it does happen once in a blue moon 😉 ), that’s all I feel I have to offer.

    I love that Cub calls Monkey “my guy.” Too cute!

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      And sometimes, it really is all that is needed. There are sometimes, though, when we have to try harder to make it up to someone.

  64. Galit Breen says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    Oh yes, such an important lesson for all of us, Shell! 

    (I love that you wrote this!)

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      Thanks, girl. 

  65. Elaine says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:27 pm

    I’ve thought about this before.  Saying “it’s okay” when it’s really not.  I think you’re right, we need to learn from the Kindergarten-ers sometimes… 🙂 

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:50 pm

      It’s a gut reaction. And I think it minimizes how hurt we really were. 

  66. My Inner Chick says

    February 15, 2012 at 11:39 pm

    –Shell, I work in a Kindergarten room every single day.

    I have learned SO MUCH :))) xx

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:51 pm

      Such wisdom from little ones. 

  67. Raw Thoughts and Feelings says

    February 16, 2012 at 5:40 am

    There are many people who should learn this kindergardens’ lesson! It’s not ok after you’ve hurt some one’s feeling and I agree with you about a simple sorry some time does wonder.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:51 pm

      Sometimes it’s enough- but other times, not.

  68. Sela Toki says

    February 16, 2012 at 6:34 am

    A lesson for all of us to learn. And our kids are so full of beautiful lessons that we can learn and benefit from if we truly listen to what they have to say. Thanks for sharing.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:51 pm

      Kids really have a way of putting things so simply.

  69. Duffy says

    February 16, 2012 at 7:55 am

    See, to me, there is a fine line here, because not accepting an apology can turn into emotional manipulation fairly easily. If you are not going to accept the apology you better tell the person why, and what more you are looking for.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:52 pm

      That’s very true. 

      I don’t think it’s something that should be said in all occasions. 

      But, in the “big” hurts. And yes, being honest about what it will take to heal the hurt.

  70. Mary says

    February 16, 2012 at 8:14 am

    This is all too true…a lesson we can all learn.

    That being said, I’m sorry that I haven’t stopped by in a couple weeks…it’s just been nuts trying to get into a good groove! 🙂

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:53 pm

      Oh girl- no worries at all! 

      I hope you have been loving your new job! 

      I’m still trying to find a routine with mine, too. 

  71. Cindi says

    February 16, 2012 at 8:50 am

    The students become the teachers! (LoL) Kind of reminds me of ‘Everything I needed to know I learned in Kindergarten’. Smart teacher and smart kid Shell!

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:53 pm

      Ha! So true.

  72. Christine says

    February 16, 2012 at 9:48 am

    I have learned recently that it a sincere apology is one that gives the power back to the forgiver. Instead of saying “I’m sorry.” “Will you accept my apology?” Or “Will you forgive me?” Then it is up to the person to say “Yes. I do” or “No…but this might make it better…” People throw “I’m sorry” out there just cover their butts I think…so later they can say “Well I SAID I was sorry!” We have to acknowledge number one that we hurt someone and number two that we take responsibility for reconciling. Anything less and the apology is insincere! Great post! I am visiting from Momcomms post today…by the way!

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:54 pm

      I really like the phrasing of that much better! 

      Thanks for stopping by! 

  73. John says

    February 16, 2012 at 9:54 am

    What frightens me about a lesson like this, though the lesson is proper, is that there are times when you spend a lifetime trying to make up for a seemingly-insignificant wrong, but the person just wants to be “made up to” for forever.  As an adult, I can say “well, I’m not willing to pay that to mend this, so I’ll terminate the relationship,” but as kids, that’s outside of the realm of possibility.

    It sounds like your kids are well-grounded, and things will hardly escalate . . . but I could see that happening in other households.  It’s quite important to not just accept an apology because it’s offered . . . but it’s also important to weigh just when an apology is enough.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:55 pm

      That’s true- it could totally get out of hand with a “you owe me” type of attitude. Which isn’t healthy, either. 

      It’s all about teaching the right balance of grace, I think.

  74. Kimberly says

    February 16, 2012 at 10:13 am

    You have me thinking. How many times have I heard “I’m sorry” and totally hated the fact that I had to accept it…yet in reality I didn’t have to…hmmmm

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:56 pm

      We don’t have to automatically say that something is okay. Sometimes, it’s truly not.

  75. Mel says

    February 16, 2012 at 10:15 am

    What an awesome message for us and our kids. What a great thing to have little boys who know their boundaries and who stand up for themselves in a kind way.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:57 pm

      I really do love that his teacher was trying to get them to think about it. 

  76. dysfunctional mom says

    February 16, 2012 at 10:31 am

    This is so true.  And it’s especially meaningless when someone says “I’m sorry” and then continues to do the same thing over and over.  Sorry is not some magic words that makes everything better.
    I love your new look….I’m scared to ask how long you’ve had it, I’m so behind in my blog-reading!  =/

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      When it’s genuine, it’s fine. But some just use it as empty words.

      Thanks- I’ve had it for just a little while. I’m way behind on my blog reading, too. 

  77. Heidi says

    February 16, 2012 at 10:34 am

    It’s amazing the things we get conditioned to say.  Like when someone asks how you are doing, it’s pretty much automatic to say “I’m good, how are you?”

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      Oh, I know. Good/fine. Even when we are NOT.

  78. C @ Kid Things says

    February 16, 2012 at 11:36 am

    Kindergartners are pretty smart little people.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      They really are! 

  79. Courtney Kirkland says

    February 16, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    I think “I’m sorry” works the first time. But after that, if you keep doing the same thing over and over and over again? Sorry just doesn’t cut it anymore. My grandmother used to tell me that if someone was REALLY sorry for something, they wouldn’t do it again. I think she was right. And those kindergarteners are onto something! 

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:58 pm

      Your grandmother is one smart lady!

  80. Eve says

    February 16, 2012 at 2:10 pm

    Wow I say “that’s okay” all the time in response to “I’m sorry.” You’re totally right to that saying sorry doesn’t make it okay. This whole parenting thing is harder than it seems!!

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 2:59 pm

      It’s like a reflex. Sometimes, it really is okay, but not always.

  81. Jessica says

    February 16, 2012 at 2:12 pm

    That’s such a great lesson. I, like many of the commentators here, have said “it’s okay” in response to “I’m sorry” because it’s like a knee-jerk reaction. I’ve even said “it’s okay,” at times, in anticipation of others’ wrongful actions without even being first told “I’m sorry.” This post reminds me that unless I’m really OK, I shouldn’t pretend to be OK just out of a sense of obligation to another person’s apology. Great lesson, indeed!

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 3:00 pm

      It makes light of our feelings, which isn’t right.

  82. Not a Perfect Mom says

    February 16, 2012 at 2:39 pm

    Like a reflex, I always say it’s okay…
    but now I’m going to make people work my acceptance…must start thinking

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 3:00 pm

      Sometimes, an apology is all I need… but there are other times when I need to see a change before I say that it’s okay. 

  83. Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says

    February 16, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    I really really love this lesson. As others have said, saying “It’s OK” often feels meaningless but by being able to choose to accept or not accept someone’s apology is empowering, especially for kids who are often told what to do, how to do it and when to do it. Thanks for sharing this. I also just participated in my first PYHO. I wasn’t intending to but kind of needed it.

    • Shell says

      February 16, 2012 at 7:35 pm

      Glad you joined in!

      Linky opens every Wed. morning! 🙂 

  84. Teresa (Embracing the Spectrum) says

    February 16, 2012 at 11:28 pm

    That’s so true!

  85. Sorta Southern Single Mom says

    February 17, 2012 at 6:48 am

    I’ve taught my children the same thing. At home, we say, “I forgive you” and at school its’ “I accept..” (or don’t if that’s the case) I also teach them to say, “I need more time’ or “I’m not ready yet” The underlying message is that you are allowed to feel how you feel, but you need to be POLITE in conveying it!

  86. stephanie @ babe's rockin' mami says

    February 17, 2012 at 6:50 pm

    I really enjoyed this post a lot Shell!  Very thoughtful, simple but powerful!

  87. Jen Has A Pen says

    February 19, 2012 at 5:51 pm

    The “All I Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten” poster was so true, right?  Kids are so smart.  Or, maybe it’s the teachers who have the world all figured out.  It’s kind of like asking politely.  Just because someone says “please” you don’t have to succumb to their request.  Hard to have those boundaries as an adult.

  88. Rebecca @ Unexplained X2 says

    February 22, 2012 at 7:12 am

    Love this…sometimes I find myself saying “that’s okay” when it SO isn’t. This is a much better way of living.

  89. FC says

    October 11, 2012 at 6:33 pm

    There seem to be an awful lot of perfect people here who have never spoken out of turn and never needed to apologise. If someone told me ‘I forgive you’ to an apology I would find that incredibly patronising. To my mind , ‘that’s ok’ implies forgiveness. Some of you clearly don’t have enough to worry about – getting annoyed because your husband said ‘I’m sorry’ because he broke an item of cookware – give me strength and find something really worth getting annoyed about.

  90. Jasa Backlink says

    February 6, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    I read this post completely about the difference of latest and preceding technologies, it’s awesome article.

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Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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