Something happened with my son this week that stopped me in my tracks. You know those moments that hit you right in the gut and heart at the same time? The kind you can’t quite put into words, but you know you’ll remember forever. That was us, right there in the middle of our ordinary mess.

Well, I had a moment just like that a few weeks back. My 4-year-old was driving me up the wall. He was “Tigger” personified… It was bounce, bounce here, roar, roar there… I just knew it was going to be one of THOSE days. After many warnings, I had just had enough. My voice got louder, and my words got harder. Eventually, I sent him to his room.

And then it happened

That sinking feeling – I knew I was wrong. Then the questioning began, “Should I leave it?” “Must I say something to my son?” Deep down, I knew what had to be done… I had to apologise (and for those who know me, admitting that I was wrong does not come naturally).

I took one step at a time, slowly making my way up the stairs. I could hear my son’s sobs, and this broke my heart! As I came through the door, he lifted his red, tear-stained face. I sat next to him and slowly began apologising for my anger and the way I had handled the situation.  “Mommies can also make mistakes,” I said. “Please forgive me, I’m really sorry.” Still crying a little, he looked up at me and said, “It’s OK, Mommy.” We cuddled, made up, and went downstairs for a snack.

THAT Was my defining moment.

It was a harsh lesson, but one well worth learning. As a parent, I learned that I needed to be more thoughtful in moments of frustration and, most of all, never to think I am above asking my children for forgiveness.