Rev. Amelia Dress provides a step-by-step guide in The Hopeful Family
How to apologize (pg. 42):
Express regret ("I'm sorry") but don't stop there...
Say what you did and why it was wrong (kids may need help seeing the impact and feelings of the other person)
Adults - you don't need to explain or justify why you did it ("stop talking before you want to")
Offer a way to fix it, make it right, or make it different next time (kids may need help finding ideas for repair)
How to respond to an apology (pg. 44):
Thank you for your apology.
I hear your apology.
I appreciate your apology/that means a lot to me.
I accept your apology.
I forgive you.
We can make it right together/we can work it out.
Don't just say "It's okay," because usually it's not okay.
How to forgive (pg. 46):
Remember a time you needed forgiveness and how good it felt to be forgiven.
Tell the story of the hurt.
Try to release your hurt feelings.
Try to wish well on the other person.
This can take time!
For more explanation in depth and examples for each of these practices, buy Rev. Amelia's book The Hopeful Family: Raising Resilient Children in Uncertain Times here.
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