All my 3 year old had to do was tell me she was sorry. That’s it. I’m sorry. Two little words. So why did it take half an hour?
Laura was sitting on her bed crying because she didn’t want to be in trouble. We explained that if she said she was sorry, she wouldn’t be in trouble anymore. Apparently that wasn’t convincing.
Laura is learning to control her anger. As in – it is okay to be angry, upset, frustrated, what have you. It is NOT okay to hit, bite, kick, lock yourself in your room, scream or throw things. It is also a requirement to apologize when necessary. Pretty simple from an adult perspective. Not so simple when you’re three. I know this. I don’t understand her confusion but I know that it is there. The moment when Laura “gets” this concept is on the horizon. Robert and I have survived this phase twice before. We just have to be consistent and patient. Waiting 30 minutes for a pitiful “I’m sorry” is just part of the deal.
So why is it so hard to say that you’re sorry? Is it fear of the other person’s reaction? Is it because it is an admission of wrongdoing? I think the latter is probably more realistic. Nowadays, most people spend their youth learning in school. Then they spend the rest of their career proving what all they know. It would make sense that as we get older and more experienced it would be more difficult to admit a wrong. That obviously doesn’t apply to Laura. She hasn’t even been to kindergarten yet!
A few hours ago, after an excruciating wait, Laura finally uttered those two magic words and was allowed out of time out. It is over and forgotten. She is now asleep and if you peek at her precious face you would swear she’s an angel. She is. Maybe I’m biased. Sorry!
