Medical X-Press – Len Canter
“Studies show that 4-year-olds can tell that an apology makes someone who’s upset feel better. It also makes the wrongdoer more likable. But it isn’t until age 5 that children can make the connection with the underlying emotions that prompt an apology, like guilt and remorse over the mistake. At this age, they can also tell the difference between a child who readily and sincerely apologizes, and one who is pushed into it by a parent. And when a child isn’t sincere about the apology, his or her words won’t make the wronged person feel better.” (more)