Last time kids were over, I lost my temper at someone (adult) doing something wrong.

And the kids saw and heard the hurtful things I was saying to him.

I felt so guilty they saw me being that mean and scary, and I worried it will always stay carved in their memories.

You can never tell what will leave a too lasting negative effect. I did explain to them that even my reaction was wrong. That people shouldn't be as aggressive as that. And we should show more compassion even towards those who wrong us, especially when we have more power than they do.

Yesterday, my nephew repeated the things I said about compassion while we were watching a movie. That was a relief.

I hope I never leave any of my darkness in their minds.

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Notladylike

I’ve had these moments too. I was chatting with a colleague recently and she reminded me it’s all about the repair. Something we probably never had growing up.
You did this when you explained your behaviour was wrong, we are human we make mistakes and there is a better way to manage things with kindness.
It sounds like you planted a seed that he listened too and remembered.
That safety you’ve created for them is enough. Don’t be hard on yourself.