When my kids were younger, they thought there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do and that I never made mistakes—not because it was true, but because I told them so. Eventually, they realized it wasn’t true, and it was all a joke. They learned I did have limitations and can easily make a mistake. Some mistakes we make as dads are easy to let our kids see. There are other mistakes you and I probably wish they never knew about. But I’ve come to learn that our kids need to see our mistakes, and not just the little ones with little consequences. They should also see the big mistakes with big consequences.
When we let our kids see our mistakes, it gives them opportunities to learn, which may prevent them from making the same mistakes in the future. If you want to give your kids these opportunities, then here are 7 mistakes to let your kids see you make.
1. Mistakes in Finances
Maybe you have bounced a check, paid a bill late, or mismanaged money in a way that prevented you from taking care of a financial obligation or opportunity. Use this to teach your kids about financial responsibility.
2. Mistakes in Marriage
Your kids may see you and your wife not on the best terms, disagreeing, or just outright angry with each other. Instead of hiding it, let them see it, without actually involving them, based on their level of maturity and understanding. And then let them see the resolution. If your kids watch a situation blow up but then you and your wife resolve it in private, make sure you explain to your kids how it got resolved.
3. Mistakes in Your Word
Have you ever said you’d do something and didn’t do it and then had negative consequences? Allow your kids to see that so they know the importance of keeping your word.
4. Mistakes in Your Work
Have you made a mistake that made you and your company look bad? Or have you been fired from a job? As hard as it may be to tell your wife, letting your kids know why you are home during the day is even tougher. But you should let them see it. It’ll help them see not only the consequences but also the hard work it takes to recover.
5. Mistakes in Your Relationships With Them
When you make mistakes with your kids when they are young, not too much will be made of it. But when your kids get older, your mistakes will not be glanced over. They’ll be the first to tell you. These are great opportunities to show humility by apologizing.
6. Mistakes in Punctuality
This is our family’s Achilles heel. Our kids can learn a lot (of what not to do) in this area. Maybe you aren’t as bad, but on occasion you do run late. Let them see it so they can appreciate when a person is timely.
7. Mistakes in Your Health
Perhaps you’ve not taken care of your body like you desire. Let your kids see the mistakes. This just might encourage you to do better with your eating, exercise, and even sleep. There would be nothing greater than them seeing you complete a personal makeover to improve your health and quality of living in front of their eyes.
Sound off: What do you say to your kids when you make a mistake?
Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What is the worst mistake you have ever made?”