5 Ways to Teach Kids to Be Honest

Hard work and honesty always pays off. Therefore, it is essential to encourage kids to imbibe such qualities to help them walk path of success. Let us take a look at the 5 basic ways to teach kids to be honest.You must have often heard the phrase “honesty is the best policy”. Well unfortunately kids are not naturally born with a sense of honesty so it is up to parents to teach them how to be honest, sincere and truthful. Preaching your kids a lesson straight out of moral science text book is not going to help as mere verbal statements are ineffective in building a moral compass. Here are 5 more effective ways of teaching your children to be honest. In this articleRewarding the TruthTeach the Concept of “Whole Truth”Explain the Power of the TruthEncourage Honest CompanionsPractice Honesty Yourself1. Rewarding the TruthMostly parents are quick to reprimand their children on misbehaviour or misdemeanour but are not so swift when it comes to appreciating their kids for something that they have done right. This is why kids feel that since being honest or doing a good deed does not fetch any kind of appreciation or reward so why bother. This does not mean that you have to bribe your child every time in order to be honest.When you see your kid behaving truthfully show your appreciation with a warm hug or heartfelt praise. Most kids get a genuine rush of happiness and confidence when their parents praise them and it is this feel good factor which will motivate them to be honest.2. Teach the Concept of “Whole Truth”Unfortunately the world today regards truth as a malleable object and therefore such phrases as little harmless white lie and half truth has come into existence. These phrases are nothing but decorative terms for the same old lies. This is why it is important to shield your kids from the half truths and harmless lies and teach them only to speak the whole unadulterated truth.Explain that the truth is not a malleable function and it cannot be bended or twisted in any way. Refrain from using half truths yourself in front of your kids as children learn best by example.3. Explain the Power of the TruthTake your children to see movies which eulogise the power of the truth. Read them stories which prove that the truth always prevails. Quote examples from real life that demonstrate the ultimate simplicity and beauty of truth. The more you reinforce how powerful and essential the truth is the quicker your children will learn to become honest. Explain to your children that it is important to keep saying the truth even if the expected consequences are bad as a lie will only make the circumstances even worse.4. Encourage Honest CompanionsHelp your children choose their friends wisely as this will help to mould their character. There is a lot of influence that friends can exert and it can either be good or bad. If your kids make honest and upright friends very soon they will imbibe these values.While it is not possible for you to monitor each other kid your children hang out with in and after school you do need to be cautious about the company that your child keeps. Introduce your children to other well behaved honest children and catalyse their friendship if required.5. Practice Honesty YourselfResist the urge to pocket the extra change that the grocer gave you back by mistake. Stop yourself from uttering false excuses and white lies on the phone to your boss, relatives and acquaintances. Do not miss out any opportunity to demonstrate to your kids that you do believe and practice honesty.When you take your kids to the movies and are asked if they are under the age of 12; say the truth about their age. As mentioned earlier children learn best by example and only an honest parent can bring up truthful and honest kids.Try the above proven ways which will surely teach your kid the need of being honest.How to inculcate honesty in kids? Why is it necessary to teach kids to be honest? What to do if kids start telling lies? Discuss here.