Does Forcing Kids to Say “Sorry” and “Thank You” Build Respect or Backfire?

This week we’re unpacking a big question in calm, confident parenting: Do you force “thank you” and “I’m sorry,” or is there a better way? 🤔💬In this episode of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast with Flora McCormick, I’m sharing how positive discipline can help children build genuine gratitude, empathy, and responsibility. While I encourage my kids to say “thank you,” I take a different approach when it comes to apologies. Instead of focusing on the words “I’m sorry,” I help my children make things right and think through what they can do differently next time.By the time you finish listening, you’ll learn:⭐ How to teach gratitude through simple, everyday family practices.⭐ Why I don’t force my kids to say “I’m sorry,” and how this approach supports respectful parenting and genuine empathy.⭐ Two practical alternatives that help children take responsibility while using kind and firm parenting tools.✨ Episode 33 of the Sustainable Parenting Podcast 🎙 is now live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and more! ✨✨Want more?  ✨JOIN me in the SUMMER of support:  💪❤️💪 https://courses.sustainableparenting.com/courses/summer-of-support✨ Get my 3 KEYS to Calm, Confident Parenting (30 min. FREE webinar) - https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63640a05c74edb4b6bdce1f3✨ Buy a 3 session Coaching Bundle (saving you $100) - for THREE 30-min sessions 1:1 with ME, where we get right to the heart of your challenges, and give you small, powerful shifts that make a huge difference fast.✨Schedule a FREE 20 min clarity call with Sustainable Parenting, so we can answer any questions you may have about working with Flora.✨Purchase a $19 short course on Etsy✨