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| Teaching Your Kids Honesty, Integrity They'll Learn by Your Example by Larry J. Leech II In this day and age in which children are accustomed to downloading music and movies for free, how do you teach them about integrity? Believe it or not, the answer is simple: by example. The worst thing you can do is tell your children not to do something, then turn around and do that exact thing yourself. The old saying “Do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t cut it. Teach your child that integrity is an issue that is not to be taken lightly. Discuss with him your core values, and don’t waver. If downloading and sharing files is something you want him to stop doing, you must do the same if it’s a practice of yours. Proverbs 11:3 tells us, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.” Help your child understand by talking to him—and listening. Ask if he knows of friends and classmates who might be cheating, stealing or doing anything else you have concerns about. A national survey by Josephson Institute revealed that at least 60 percent of the kids interviewed said they cheated on an exam in the past year and 28 percent stole something from a store. Ask your child what she thinks about these practices. You might be surprised to learn she thinks cheating and stealing will help her get ahead in life. Let her know that no matter the pressure, the temptation, you think cheating and stealing is wrong—and you expect her to have the strength of character to be honest no matter what’s going on around her. Be careful not to lecture. Talking and listening are the keys. An open conversation about these topics, or any other you choose, will help your child to think about his values and choices. These types of conversation also will help your child feel comfortable and safe in having a mind of his own. Use life for teachable moments to help your child understand integrity and honor. My wife and I used the popular television sitcom Friends to teach our son how not to treat a woman, that living together and having sex before marriage are not part of God’s plan. The world is full of teachable moments. Point out poor service at a restaurant or from the cashier at the grocery store, then explain the importance of having different behavior and why. Discuss the consequences on reputation, relationships and job opportunities. Be relentless in teaching your child the importance of honor, trust and honesty. And live it. Even as teenagers, kids look up to Mommy and Daddy as superheroes, so don’t let them down by doing things you don’t want them to do. Larry J. Leech II, a freelance writer who lives in Longwood, Florida, with his wife, Wendy, strived to model honesty and integrity to their now 19-year-old son. How do you raise your children to honor these values? | Top | Share Your Thoughts... Be the first to comment on this article! |
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