Coaching Forgiveness

A parent writes: Our nine year old is forever holding grudges against friends and family. How can we coach him to be more forgiving?

One of the many challenges that confront children is inevitably woven into peer and family relationships: forgiving those who have done wrong. Mistakes and disappointments committed by others find their way into every child's life, giving way to various emotions and behaviors. Some children firmly hold on to blaming indignation as if to punish the person who is at fault. This can go too far and ripple through other relationships, spreading negativity and leaving the offended child appearing petulant and unreasonable.

If your child finds forgiveness hard to come by, consider these coaching tips to help change your grudge-holder into a forgiver:

If your child is to listen with an open mind, start the discussion when your child is not holding a grudge....