In many Nigerian homes, especially for those of us raising children in the UK, apologising to a child can feel unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. Some of us grew up believing that parents must always be right. However, research and lived experience show that apologising to our children is not a sign of weakness—it is a powerful tool for raising emotionally healthy adults.
Here are some important lessons children learn when parents apologise.
1. Accountability Is Strength, Not Weakness
When parents apologise, children learn that taking responsibility for one’s actions is a strength. It teaches them that mistakes are part of life and that owning up to them is honourable.
A child who grows up seeing accountability modelled at home is more likely to become an adult who accepts responsibility, reflects on their behaviour, and apologises when they are wrong—rather than avoiding blame or shifting fault to others.
2. Emotions Are Valid and Deserve Respect
An apology tells a child, “Your feelings matter.”
When parents acknowledge that something they said or did caused hurt, children learn that their emotions—whether big or small—are important and worthy of respect.
This helps children grow into adults who are emotionally aware, confident in expressing themselves, and respectful of other people’s feelings—skills that are especially important in multicultural environments like the UK.
3. Healthy Communication Goes Both Ways
By apologising, parents teach children what healthy communication looks like. Children learn that communication is not about winning arguments or asserting authority, but about understanding and connection.
This lesson helps children communicate calmly, listen actively, and express themselves without aggression—skills they will carry into friendships, workplaces, marriages, and parenting of their own.
4. Trust and Emotional Safety Are Strengthened
When parents apologise, trust grows. Children feel emotionally safe knowing their parents are fair, self-aware, and willing to self-correct.
This safety encourages children to be open about their fears, mistakes, and struggles. As a result, the parent-child bond becomes stronger, more honest, and more supportive—something many Nigerian families in the UK strive to build while balancing culture and modern parenting.
5. Empathy Is First Learned at Home
Apologising helps children understand empathy. They see that their actions can affect others and that making things right matters.
Over time, children raised in empathetic homes become more compassionate, understanding, and considerate—qualities that help them thrive both within the family and in wider society.
Final Thoughts
Apologising to your child does not reduce your authority—it deepens your influence. For Nigerian parents raising children in the UK, it is a powerful way to combine strong cultural values with emotional intelligence.
By apologising, we are not just correcting a moment—we are shaping the kind of adults our children will become.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
Stay updated on the latest UK news, including education, health, job openings, and more for those living in the UK!
Join here: Naija UK Channel
Also, follow us on our social media channels for the latest updates and discussions:
- Twitter: @NaijaUKConnect
- Facebook: Naija UK Connect
- Instagram: @naijaukconnect
