Honesty Is Always The Best Policy

I agree that “Parents should always be honest with their children regardless the subject.” However, parents often avoid the truth on touchy topics. They usually refer to white lies and partial truth, trying to protect their children, while actually making it worse for them when they actually do find out the later on.

Parents set a good example by telling the truth to their children. If the kids know that they can ask their parents anything and get a straight answer, it will rub off and telling the truth will become a second nature. On the other hand, if parents are always lying to their kids and the kids find out the lies, why would they want to be the better person and tell the truth? Those parents should follow the golden rule; treat others like you want to be treated.

Telling only the truth also creates a positive environment for honesty.  Truth comforts children if they know their parents will give them a straight answer.  Knowing that their parents will be truthful with them gives a child a sense of protection he or she might not otherwise have, whereas being dishonest with them will create an unsure environment.   Being honest with one's children gives them the security of knowing that they can come to their parents with any question or concern and expect a reliable, certifiable answer.

Parents giving straight answers develop relationships and trust between parents and kids. It makes them comfortable to ask questions and have positive conversations together. Knowing that you can ask and tell your parents anything is something that all children should have, however, very few do.

Honesty also leads to success and higher self-esteem. Kids  whose parents have been honest with them throughout their lives  have greater personal and social successes. These kids generally have high self-esteem and confidence. They turn out to be adults having strength of character and get to be highly respected people.  The kids who have gained their parents’ good qualities like honesty also enjoy good relationships with their family, friends and colleagues.

Parents whom are honest to their kids help relieve pressure from their kids. If parents are honest about their life and past and do not lie about themselves being perfect, their kids don’t have as much pressure from measuring up to their parents’ accomplishments.  Also if parents tell their kids of their mistakes than the kids may get to learn from them instead of going through those problems themselves.

Being untruthful to kids is a waste of energy. Truthfulness saves energy for better usage in helping a child’s improvement. Instead of looking for ways to “protect” a child’s feelings parents should be truthful right upfront because the child will find out eventually.