As parents we sometimes make mistakes - some of us more than others. How we handle those mistakes sends a message loud and clear to our children.

This evening after dinner my wife and I took the kids to the YMCA to see my 5-year-old's new swimming abilities (he's been taking swim lessons for a few weeks now and was dying to show off his stuff).

Regan had climbed up to the top of the 30-foot water slide, and had started his descent. I was at the bottom of the slide in the 5-foot deep end to catch him, since he's not able to swim more than a few feet.

At the same time Delaney, my 7 year old daughter had swam out to hang onto my arm. She can swim about 20 feet or so, and had already used up her energy getting out to me.

Just as she reached me, Regan came off the slide, and I instinctively let her go to grab him - since I knew he wouldn't be able to stay afloat very long. But then I forgot about her momentarily as I pulled Regan up from his downward plunge.

It was only for a few seconds, but it was enough for Delaney to start to go under. I grabbed her with my other arm just in time, and everyone was safe... but I could tell it really freaked her out. Not only had I scared her, but I had hurt her feelings and left her feeling stranded and uncared for.

As I hugged her and explained my dilemma about not being able to grab them both, she wouldn't even look me in the eye. She was on the verge of tears, and nothing I was saying was sinking in. Finally I said "Laney, I'm really sorry - will you forgive me?"

She instantly reached over and hugged me and said "Sure Dad - I forgive you."

It wasn't enough that I had told her I was sorry. It was when I asked her to forgive me that she was able to get over her hurt and move on.