This viral TikTok is changing how parents teach kids to accept apologies

We teach our kids a lot about how to apologize to others. But do we spend enough time teaching them how to accept an apology when someone else is in the wrong? It’s a step in social and emotional development that often gets overlooked—and, let’s face it, many adults don’t fully know the best way to give or receive apologies either.

Yasmina Elmerkaoui and Maggie Younan, hosts of the Hanging for More Podcast, recently tackled this topic in a way that resonated with listeners. In their usual candid and conversational style, the best friends dove into the nuances of accepting apologies. In one standout moment, Elmerkaoui shared the thoughtful approach she’s teaching her kids.

“I’ve taught my kids to say, ‘Thank you for apologizing,’ rather than, ‘That’s OK,’ because the behavior isn’t OK,” she explained. “The apology is welcomed, so it also draws a line and reminds you, no no no, that isn’t OK.”

The wisdom of this simple shift is undeniable. It not only empowers kids to acknowledge and accept an apology without excusing bad behavior, but it also sets a clear boundary for the person who made the mistake.

Related: 25 phrases to inspire confidence in your child

“It reminds everyone else in their life as well that the apology is welcome, but the behavior isn’t OK and I won’t accept it,” she added.

Elmerkaoui even holds her kids to this response when she’s the one making the apology.

“They say the same to me, like, ‘Thank you for apologizing,’” she shared. “I’ll even pull them up if they say, ‘That’s OK.’ Noah, especially, he’s such a mama’s boy, he’s like, ‘Mom, that’s OK, you did nothing wrong.’ And I’m like, ‘No, I did.’”

It’s a small but powerful phrase: “Thank you for apologizing.” It acknowledges the apology while maintaining accountability for the actions. Simple, effective, and clear.

A TikTok clip from the podcast, featuring this thoughtful discussion, has gone viral with nearly  865,000 views, sparking meaningful conversations in the comments. Many parents shared how they’ve approached this with their own kids.

@hangingformorepodcast

How to respond to “sorry” 🙏

♬ original sound – Hanging For More

One user, @caitlynhopkins_, shared, “I teach mine to say, ‘Thank you for apologizing. I don’t forgive you yet, but I’m working on it.’ It’s important for kids to know they don’t have to rush forgiveness.”

Another viewer, @rachelbloomfield_, added, “I have mine say, ‘Apology accepted’ or ‘Apology not accepted’ if they’re still upset. It’s about honesty.”

Others highlighted the value of intentional forgiveness. @honest_mama wrote, “There’s power in saying, ‘I forgive you,’ but only when it’s genuine. We should never say, ‘It’s fine’ just to make the other person feel better.”

This approach to apologies is particularly important for girls and women, who are often conditioned to say “It’s OK” to smooth things over. Teaching kids to respond more thoughtfully, like Elmerkaoui’s approach, can disrupt patterns of excusing bad behavior and encourage more intentional communication.

As parents, we’re always looking for ways to model healthy relationships and interactions for our kids. This thoughtful practice of accepting apologies might just be a game-changer in raising a generation that knows how to hold others accountable while also showing grace.

Related: 5 expert-backed tips for creating emotionally healthy sibling relationships