honesty and integrity

Philippines
January 22, 2008 9:00pm CST
I have a daughter and it is my main concern on how one could effectively teach honesty and integrity to a four year old kid. I am a bit concern with the world we are leaving in where it is good to be honest if it is to ones advantage and it is okay to lie if it means self preservation.
1 response
@Kenorv (343)
• United States
23 Jan 08
I'd say the best way is through your actions. A lot of parents have this "do as I say not as I do" approach to raising kids and that just doesn't work. Just make sure the lifestyle traits that you want your daughter to learn are the ones that you have as well. Spend a lot of time with her and let her see first hand what exactly you want her to learn. Don't just tell her that she needs to have honesty and integrity, show her examples of people that portray those traits. I think she's probably too young for you to show her people that are the opposite of what you want her to be but when she grows older you should show her examples of what you don't want her to be like and explain to her why acting that way isn't the right way to be. Don't be afraid to let her see people that don't act properly so long as you make sure she understands why exactly she shouldn't act that way. I think too many parents take the "because I said so" approach meaning that they tell their kids to not do something or not act a certain way without really giving a good explanation as to why. When their kids ask "why mommy or "why daddy" the parent simply responds, "because I said so." Kids need to understand why it is that their parents don't want them to behave a certain way. So any time that you have the chance to show your daughter and explain to her why exactly it is good and right to have honesty and integrity then make sure you do so. And do it in a nice, friendly way too. Don't be angry about it or be too serious about it. I think she'll be more receptive if you're nice to her about it.