truth counts

Have you ever heard the story of the little boy who cried wolf?

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By Laurel Gillum

Fables such as these are sometimes used to teach children the importance of telling the truth. Other times, a few more steps are needed when it comes to teaching honesty. Follow these tips to make the lessons go smoother.

Show And Tell

With younger children, explain that it’s hard to get along with people who lie. Play a game of Chutes and Ladders as an example to explain how you can’t play the game if one person is lying. Pinocchio is a classic Disney movie with a great message for younger audiences.

Trust Issues

With older children, introduce the concepts of trust and reputation. Explain to your children how it may be harder to reestablish trust once it’s lost. You might use examples from your own personal experiences or from others to help them grasp the penalty of having an untrustworthy reputation.

Consequences

If you choose to discipline your child, consider that the punishment for lying should be made clear in advance of seeking a confession, and the punishment should always be relevant to whatever initiated it. Don’t be too harsh. After all, fear of punishment is the most common reason children and adults lie. If habits continue or worsen, you may want to seek the advice of a professional counselor.

Sources: pbs.com, askdrsears.com