Forgiveness is a virtue everyone should imbibe. It is an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. It is important for children to understand compassion, loving-kindness and forgiveness.

Teaching your child to forgive is an essential life tool that will make navigating childhood and adolescence easier for him or her. Holding on to anger and resentment is a recipe for anxiety and depression in children and adults. The earlier forgiveness is taught, the earlier you can prevent children from taking on the victim role. That in turn helps to prevent anxiety and depression.

When we forgive, we set healing in motion. The opposite deepens wounds and disconnection. Instill in your children the ability to forgive and let go. It will bring them peace in their lives and relationships.
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To teach your child forgiveness, let him understand how to handle siblings’ arguments. Children need to learn reconciliation. Train them on how to do it and be consistent in reinforcing the principles of forgiveness with even the smallest issues. Teach your kids to forgive regardless of the other person’s response. What matters is that your child has feelings that need to be released. Unconditionally forgive even when it’s not reciprocated.

Let your child know that it is not about who is right or wrong. When you forgive someone, it should never be about being right. It’s about the relationship being right. Teach your kids to care more about that.

Also ensure you emphasise that there are no conditions for forgiveness. We are not truly forgiving when we say, ‘if you make my bed for the next week, I will forgive you.’ That’s extortion not forgiveness. Forgiveness is given without expectations or conditions.

We can’t make our children forgive someone. If we pressure them to say something when they don’t mean it, nothing gets solved. Explain the importance and the benefits of forgiving. The actual act must come from their heart and not our demands. Give it time.

You can teach perspective. We tend to only see our side of an issue. We need to teach our children to be able to see things from the other side. Our side is only part of the story. Forgiving is much easier when we know the whole story and not just half of it.
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Also let them know that they should not be held back. What do you gain by holding a grudge?

Feelings of resentment keep us from moving forward. We end up stuck in emotions from past experiences. Bitterness lurks below the surface ready to rear its ugly head. Forgiveness releases it and gives us a clean slate for new experiences and emotions. Fill your heart and mind with peace and forgiveness so you will be ready to pour that into others.

Teach your child to serve. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Go on a mission trip where they can learn to serve others. Giving forgiveness takes humility. Build a spirit of humility by being mindful of the needs of others.

Remember the Golden Rule – ‘Treat others as we wish to be treated ourselves.’ Ask your children how they would want someone to respond when they do something wrong. They would want to be forgiven. Then tell them to do likewise.
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