HONESTY
Kids tell the truth even when it's not easy.
source: "What Kids Need to Succeed" by Benson, Galbraith, and Espeland (1998)
- - Model honesty in your daily life. Be honest with your children, spouse, telemarketers, solicitors, store clerks, co-workers, friends, neighbors, relatives- and yourselves.
- Encourage and expect family members to be honest with each other and themselves. Honestly acknowledge feelings Honestly admit to mistakes and successes.
- Catch your children being honest.
- When you fudge the truth, admit it and apologize.
- Don't overreact when your child lies to you. Children will lie if they fear your reaction. If you suspect or know your child is lying, ask them, "Do you think I believe you right now? Or do you think I might be having trouble believing you right now?" Give your child the opportunity to tell the truth.
- Have family members discuss situations at work, school, or the community where people acted honestly and dishonestly.
- Point out dishonesty in advertising.
- Help your children talk about situations when it's difficult to be honest. Think of solutions together.
- Never punish your kids for being honest with you.
source: "What Kids Need to Succeed" by Benson, Galbraith, and Espeland (1998)
