Saying sorry and forgiving

Ages 3 to 5 Read and do together · about 10 minutes

Read together

Sometimes we hurt each other.

We can say sorry. We can forgive. Then we start again.

Do it

1. Use two puppets or toys. One takes the other's toy. Show how the other feels.
2. Practise the steps: stop, say “I am sorry”, ask “How can I help?”, and make it right.
3. Practise forgiving: “It is okay. Let us play.”
4. Say a short prayer: “God, thank you for forgiving us. Help us to forgive.”

Talk about it

• What do we say when we hurt someone?
• How do we make it right?

For the grown-up

Young children say sorry best when they have seen it modelled, and when it is not forced. The Bible speaks of being kind and forgiving one another (a paraphrase of Ephesians 4:32), and Jesus told his friends to forgive again and again (Matthew 18:21–22).

Mark as done

← Previous lesson Next lesson →

Where this comes from

• Letter to the Ephesians 4:32; Gospel of Matthew 18:21 to 22
• ZERO TO THREE, resources on supporting young children's social and emotional development

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.