Toddler won't apologize to mom and dad, but will to everyone else

[EzzysMom]

I'm looking for suggestions on how to help my daughter be more comfortable saying sorry when she whacks me and her dad by accident. For instance, while switching sides while nursing this morning she kicked me in the face because she went the wrong direction. She's getting stronger so she's really hurt me from time to time. She has no problem taking suggestions that she 'help X feel better' when X is a friend, an animal, a random stranger, a toy, with a hug, kiss or a 'sorry, that must have hurt, i won't do it again'. But when it comes to mom and dad, no way.

She just tries to change to subject or sits still and silent. We reassure her that we still love her (injured parent) but that it's important to help the other person feel better. It's hard to tell what she's feeling because she won't say anything. We're trying not to make too huge a deal out of it because I think that would only make the problem worse, but she's even willing to hug random (kid) strangers at the park who are crying but can't even eek out a sorry for us!

We model ourselves apologizing to her whenever I'm clutzy, and when she can't muster up the will to say anything to other kids she's bumped I will say the words I want her to say as an apology for her, but that's rarely a problem now. Any ideas?

Feeling like a squished bug at times

[mamamillet]

Two years olds do not have much empathy. Doesn't make them "bad" just two! I was never big on requiring ds to say sorry. I would model apologies for him, I would explain that his actions hurt, saddened or whatever and then ask how he could help them feel better. I can't stand empty apologies. I hate it when someone says sorry without evern meaning it, I would rather they not say anything at all!
SO I would just continue to let your dd no that she hurt you...ask her how she could help you feel better and go from there.

[tbone_kneegrabber]

I just say it for him, "sorry mama, i kicked you by accident" Often he'll repeat what I said.

For instance the other day he said "JUICE!" and I said "Mother Dearest will you please get me some juice." (mostly for my own amusement) and he said "mudder dewest will you please get me some juice" I about passed out for laughing!