Apology 101: Teaching Kids When and How to Say Sorry (Like Daisy and Benny!)

We’ve all been there: two kids arguing over a toy, a game, or who gets to go first. Tears flow, voices rise, and suddenly, a simple “sorry” feels like climbing a mountain. But saying sorry isn’t just about ending a fight—it’s about healing hearts and rebuilding trust. 

In The Wisdom of the Forest by Mathieux Chenier, there is a story where Daisy the Cow and Benny the Badger face a similar struggle. Their journey teaches kids (and adults!) how a sincere apology can turn conflict into connection. Let’s break down their lesson into a step-by-step guide for raising kind, accountable kids.

The Meadow Misunderstanding: A Tale of Hurt Feelings

In The Wisdom of the Forest, Daisy and Benny are best friends until a sunny day in the meadow goes wrong. Daisy accidentally knocks Benny into a patch of wildflowers while playing. 

At first, she laughs, thinking it’s funny—until she sees Benny’s hurt expression. Benny shouts, “You ruined my day!” and storms off. Daisy feels guilty but doesn’t know how to fix it. With help from wise Mama Cow, she learns that a heartfelt apology isn’t just saying “sorry”—it’s showing you care.

This story mirrors real-life moments where kids hurt others without meaning to. The magic lies in teaching them how to make things right.

Why “Sorry” Matters More Than You Think

A forced “sorry” can feel empty, but a genuine apology does three big things:

Ø Repairs Trust: It tells the hurt person, “I see your pain, and I want to fix this.”

Ø Teaches Responsibility: Kids learn that actions have consequences—and they can choose kindness.

Ø Builds Confidence: Apologizing helps kids grow into caring, courageous people.

In the book, Daisy’s journey from guilt to grace shows how apologies strengthen friendships. Benny doesn’t just forgive her—he admires her courage to say, “I was wrong.”

Step 1: Recognize the Mistake (Like Daisy Did!)

Kids often miss when they’ve hurt someone. Start by helping them see the impact of their actions. Ask:

• “How do you think Benny felt when he fell?”
• “Would you feel sad if someone laughed at you?”

In The Wisdom of the Forest, Mama Cow gently asks Daisy, “How would you feel if Benny did that to you?” This question helps Daisy understand Benny’s perspective. Use stories like this to spark empathy at home.

Step 2: Say “I’m Sorry” Without Excuses

A real apology owns the mistake. Teach kids to avoid “but” sentences like, “Sorry, but you were in my way.” Instead, try:

• “I’m sorry I knocked you over. That wasn’t kind.”
• “I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.”

When Daisy says, “I’m sorry for laughing. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Benny starts to soften. Simple, honest words work best.

Step 3: Fix What You Can (Actions Speak Too!)

Apologies aren’t just words—they’re actions. Ask your child: “What can you do to make this better?” Maybe they:

• Share a toy.
• Draw a “sorry” picture.
• Help clean up a mess they made.

In the story, Daisy offers to help Benny gather fresh flowers after the fall. This small act shows she truly cares.

Step 4: Promise to Try Harder

A good apology includes a plan to avoid repeating the mistake. For example:

• “Next time, I’ll be more careful when we play.”
• “I’ll ask before borrowing your things.”

Daisy promises Benny, “I’ll pay attention to where I’m running!” This gives Benny hope that things will improve.

Step 5: Give Time and Space

Sometimes, the hurt person needs a moment to heal. Teach kids that saying sorry doesn’t always fix things right away. In the book, Benny doesn’t forgive Daisy instantly—he takes a walk to calm down. Remind your child: “It’s okay if they’re still upset. We can’t rush feelings.”

The Forest’s Secret: Apologies Grow Stronger Friendships

By the end, Daisy and Benny are playing together again—closer than ever. Their meadow misunderstanding becomes a memory of how honesty and courage can repair bonds. Kids who learn to apologize, like Daisy, grow into friends others trust and admire.

Practice Makes Progress: Role-Play with Your Child!

Grab stuffed animals or toys and act out the meadow scene! Let your child play both Daisy and Benny. Ask:

• “What could Daisy say to show she’s sorry?”
• “How does Benny feel after the apology?”

Role-playing turns lessons into fun, relatable moments. For more stories like this, Mathieux Chenier’s The Wisdom of the Forest is filled with gentle lessons on empathy, courage, and kindness.

Growing Hearts with The Wisdom of the Forest

Stories shape how kids deal with the world. Mathieux Chenier’s The Wisdom of the Forest turns tough lessons into playful adventures, making it easier for kids to grasp big ideas like forgiveness. Whether it’s Daisy’s apology or Leo the Lion’s journey to humility, every story plants seeds of kindness.

Give your child the gift of kindness and resilience. The Wisdom of the Forest provides 22 beautifully crafted stories to guide their growth. Order your copy today!