Teaching Forgiveness: The Importance Of This Value
Asking for forgiveness and knowing how to forgive is one of the keys to personal happiness and inner peace in life. It is also the perfect combination for communicating with family, friends and in other solid relationships. However, teaching forgiveness to one’s children is one of the hardest tasks of a parent. In this article we explain how important it is and the steps to take to teach it to your little ones.
The importance of teaching forgiveness
A child who asks for forgiveness acknowledges his mistakes and apologizes for them. Here lies the radical importance of the teaching of forgiveness, to make sure that one day the little ones are responsible adults.
As a result they will learn empathy and have strong emotional health that will help them overcome all obstacles in life.
The value of forgiveness for the little ones
Forgiveness is one of the values most appreciated by the human being. Therefore it is fundamental and essential to teach forgiveness to your little ones. You must teach him that forgiveness frees the offender from guilt while freeing the victim from feelings of discontent towards the accuser.
For this reason it is important:
- Knowing how to forgive. Agreeing with the offender does not compensate for his mistake, and the offender is not acquitted as if by magic.
- Ask forgiveness. It involves acknowledging one’s own fault and the harm done. This attitude requires humility and the ability to repent, so that one learns from one’s mistakes.
How to teach forgiveness to your children?
As a child, children are not very aware of the damage that their words could cause. However, this changes as they grow and it is necessary to incorporate notions to make them understand the value of forgiveness. Here are some tips to treasure:
- Teach him by example.
The little ones learn primarily at home through the example given by their parents. For this reason, avoid talking badly about other people in front of them. On the other hand, you have to be humble and ask for forgiveness. This way they will learn that everyone can make mistakes and everyone deserves to be forgiven.
Teaching forgiveness, here’s how
- Teach forgiveness.
To truly teach forgiveness, you need to talk to your child about it so that he or she understands what it feels like to be offended without being to blame. Explain that mistakes exist and that forgetting and forgiving them will make him feel good.
- Boost his self-esteem
You will strengthen your child’s self-esteem by showing him your love. Imposing limits and rules will ensure that the little one learns to say “no” when necessary. Pay attention to him and do not miss your support even in pointing out the mistakes he makes, so that he can learn.
Paying special attention to this stage of your child’s growth will ensure that he becomes a person without grudges and resentments. He will also understand that all human beings have a physical and emotional space that must always be respected.
- Explain how bad a grudge is
Use common games and situations to explain how bad the feeling of resentment is. Let him understand that resentment prevents the creation of lasting interpersonal relationships and is a pain exclusive to the person who cannot forgive. With a lot of love you will be able to free your child from bad feelings.
- Express your feelings
Teach your little one to express his feelings in any situation in a calm and peaceful way. Let him know that if he feels the need to cry, he can do it or that he can express his feelings by drawing or even playing. This way he can channel his emotions in a healthy way.
It is fundamental to teach forgiveness but it is equally important to teach the child to put limits on toxic relationships. This will keep him away from feelings of anger, rage, fury and envy. Use all the methods at your disposal: stories, films, games, etc. You will notice the difference immediately.
