Securely Attached27 Nov 2025

Q&A: Is it normal for my toddler to constantly say they're sorry for everything?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

- If it's normal for a toddlers to say "I'm sorry" constantly, even when they haven't done anything wrong.

- Breaking down child development: How repetition and "theory of mind" shape early empathy and build social awareness.

- How to know when frequent apologizing is just a normal developmental phase (and when it might signal something more).

- The subtle ways parents can unintentionally reinforce this habit (and some phrases and actions to try instead.)

- How to respond to your child in the moment to build confidence, connection, and emotional understanding.

If your little one apologizes for every stubbed toe, sibling squabble, or frustrated sigh, this episode will help you understand what's really going on and how to gently guide them toward more accurate empathy, without worry or overcorrection.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

📚 Want practical tools to help your child learn to manage big feelings? Go to drsarahbren.com/games to download my free guide, Strengthen Your Child's Emotion Regulation Skills Through Play. It's a resource packed with simple, fun games you can play with your child to strengthen their ability to recognize, express, and regulate their emotions.

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧Listen to my podcast episode about understanding toddlerhood with Devon Kuntzman

🎧Listen to my podcast episode about supporting your toddler's sleep with Eileen Henry

🎧Listen to my podcast episode about how not to raise a people pleaser

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!

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