People Share Their Views On Why Do Parents Rarely Apologize

"He never said sorry, he just bought me something."

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• October 15, 2023

Apologizing, a seemingly straightforward act, often reveals a surprising complexity for some individuals. These are the people who grapple with the seemingly simple task of uttering the words "I'm sorry." Instead, they tend to rely on non-verbal gestures or, in some cases, avoid apologizing altogether.

This discussion emerges from OP's personal experience, prompting a discussion of a phenomenon that, though common, rarely receives the attention it deserves. OP vividly recalls an incident from her past, a moment in time from a year or two ago when she decided to playfully take her father's seat.

What followed was a stark departure from playfulness. Her father responded with force, grasping her hair firmly and inflicting pain.

She retreated to her room in tears, and an atmosphere of discomfort enveloped their household for days. OP's story carries an element of universality, inviting us to ponder a question: why do certain individuals struggle to express regret verbally, especially when they've caused harm to loved ones?

Is it the weight of embarrassment, or does another underlying factor play a significant role? Curiously, her parents chose not to employ the simplest phrase - "I'm sorry" - to address her pain.

Instead, they attempted to communicate remorse through the medium of material gifts. OP's experience, it seems, is not an isolated incident but rather emblematic of a larger pattern.

People, like OP's parents, often skip apologizing and make up for their actions in different ways

People may fear losing control if they admit they're wrong

Pride

Parents not apologizing and using excessive force reveal their imperfections as people and parents.

Feelings of shame

Some parents don't apologize when they're wrong, which is not normal

People, including parents, should acknowledge their mistakes and apologize when they've done wrong.

Many parents, never felt the need to apologize

Parents may avoid apologizing because they fear it makes them seem weak and submissive

Parents sometimes do things that upset us

Apologizing sets an example for children to learn accountability and strengthens the parent-child relationship

Parents often struggle to admit they're wrong because they rarely feel that way, even when they are

When parents do something wrong, like making a mistake or hurting their kids, sometimes they find it hard to say they're sorry. This happens because they might think saying sorry makes them look weak or like they're giving in to someone else. But that's not true.

Saying sorry is a strong and good thing to do. It's like showing that you know when you make a mistake and that you're trying to make things right. This is important, especially when parents are trying to teach their kids about responsibility and honesty.

When parents don't say sorry, it can make their kids feel confused and upset. They might not understand why their mom or dad won't admit they did something wrong. It can also make it harder for kids to trust their parents.

So, parents need to say sorry when they make a mistake. It's a way of showing love and making their relationship with their kids stronger. And remember, everyone makes mistakes sometimes, and saying sorry is a way to make things better. It's a sign of being wise and strong, not weak.

Damjan