Teaching honesty to kids




In today’s fast-paced, wired world, all that separates people from sharing their guiltiest thoughts and darkest secrets with the rest of the planet is a single mouse click or a finger stroke on a smartphone screen.

Therefore, today’s children need to be taught early on about the difference between being honest and sharing too much, say experts.

“Amid the din of oversharing, we mistake spasms of selfrevelation for honesty. And in a time of constant confessional disclosures, we are losing our ability to self- reflect and be truly honest,” says Paul Wilkes, a filmmaker, religion and spirituality writer.

But honesty is still the best policy. Here are some ways to teach this concept to those born after the advent of a social networking culture:

Foster good communication. Children are more likely to be truthful with their parents if they have a great relationship.

Parents can strengthen that relationship by being approachable, not judgmental. Talk regularly. Make a family dinner a routine part of life. Schedule game nights, movie nights and other enjoyable activities do with the kids.

Lead by example. Lying can be convenient, but resorting to dishonesty when talking to children is always a mistake. Adults can risk normalizing deceit for an impressionable young person.

Worse yet, kids will have good reason to distrust their parents if they promise that the flu shot doesn’t hurt a bit.

Encourage a culture of confession. If a child admits to wrongdoing, first be grateful for the honesty.

While disciplining the child, the punishment shouldn’t be a deterrent for future confession. Hitting, shaming and generally making a child feel bad will only inspire him to lie in the future.

Instead of sending children to their rooms to play video games, help them reflect on how to do better next time.

“Confession is not merely a clearing out of that which is wrong in us,” says Wilkes. “It is a realignment of what is best in us and an intention to live a better life.”

Nip it in the bud. Bad habits can start early and are often hard to shake, so it’s never too early to correct dishonest behavior in a child.

Help kids avoid lying by giving them fewer opportunities to do so. For example, if a parent knows who made the mess, don’t ask “Did you do this?” Confront the child directly about it instead.

Use literature. There are many excellent fiction and non-fiction books that deal with ethical issues and honesty. A librarian can help find something age-appropriate for parents to read and discuss with kids.

Though there may be no portion of the school day devoted to it, honesty can be taught. Make sure kids don’t skip this lesson.

Courtesy State Point Media.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *