Does Your Child Value Being Honest?

Is honesty a priority with your kids? Do they value being honest?

These questions came to my mind one day when I was speaking to one of my kids about a situation at school. They kind of “fudged” the truth in order to get out of something. I didn’t want to beat them over the head with “you know you should do this" kind of a talk, because all I would get in return is, “I know, mom!”  But I DID want to remind them of the importance of honesty. So I told them that I wanted them to prioritize honesty in their life.

And I left it at that.

Maybe, I left it at that verbally – in that moment. But I didn’t leave it at that in my heart and mind. It showed me that just because you are raising “Christian kids” and have a “Christian home,” it doesn’t mean they aren’t tempted to be dishonest. They may not even look at it as dishonesty. They may look at it as getting out of something or avoiding something they don’t want to do, or even just wanting to belong.

But they should feel their conscience and their heart being pricked every time they lie. And even small “lies” are still lies.

So, I ask you as a fellow parent again – do you know if your child values honesty?  I know mine value a lot of things. And I know they love the Lord. But I’m going to be more intentional about paying attention to the detail of honesty in their lives. I’ve always emphasized and prioritized honesty with me and in our home – but I still need to watch them and see how they are tempted to whittle away, deceive, or omit things (all of which is equal to lying.)

Kids are kids. They are navigating the waters of life. They are learning how to deal with peer pressure and they are learning how to set their own boundaries in life (which is tough!) But you just can’t replace honesty and integrity. It will carry you so far in life and it will protect you many times over again. Not to mention, it says a lot about who you are as a person, who you believe in, and who you represent.

A little concession here and there so easily lead to bigger ones!

Talk to your kids about honesty. At the very least, look for opportunities in conversation to remind them to prioritize and value it in their lives.

I know I plan to.