All parents realize how important good social skills are, both for themselves and for their children. Good social skills include a willingness to admit one's mistakes, accept responsibility and feel bad when one has hurt someone else. Parents sometimes demand, therefore, that their kids apologize when the children have offended another person. This quick guide looks at the wisdom of this adult strategy. In Apologies , you will learn: Why do parents ask children to apologize? What is the connection between apologies and punishment? What's the difference between a heartfelt and a hypocritical apology? How do you teach children sympathy or empathy?