Reasons
Why Children Lie:
• Children see their parents lie. Once parents don't tell the truth,
children learn it's okay to follow suit.
• Parents lie to children. For example, parents may tell their children
the moon is made of blue cheese. Once they discover it's not, they learn
that the world is not necessarily built on truth - it's built on expedience.
• Children lie out of fear. They're afraid to get caught for something
bad they may have done.
• Children are afraid to admit there are things they don't
know. Kids are not taught to value humility. Parents push them to do
well in school and to master things instead of understand or relate
to things. So when parents ask their children what the capital of Malaysia
is, they'll make it up rather than say they don't know.
How to Get Your Children
to Tell the Truth:
• Always tell them you would rather they be honest and fess up rather
than lie and hide the truth.
• Punish them you must. If they lie, there must be consequences. You
can't let them get away with it.
• Be a confessional parent. Share with them stories of things you did
of which you are ashamed and teach them to trust the world and to tell
the truth, even if it portrays them in a bad light.
• Expose them to the lives of great historical figures who were distinguished
by honesty, such as Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Jesus. Explain to them
that "The truth shall set you free."
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