teaching kids | All My Children

We always teach our kids that “honesty is the best policy”. But saying it and having them understand what that means are two different things. We can teach kids honesty by our own example and by using some tactics to talk out situations where your child’s honesty will be taught and tested. Read on for a few basic ways we can instill honest values in our children.

Telling the Truth

Kids may not want to always tell the truth or the full story in a tricky situation. Perhaps they fear they will be punished or put in “time-out” if they are honest. Or, maybe their big brother or sister threatened them to cover for a lie. Sometimes, kids make up stories or scenarios based on their growing imagination. Whatever the case may be, we must teach and constantly remind our kids that being honest and telling what really happened is the right choice. Usually, the truth will come out eventually and cause even more issues. Yes, your child may have to suffer the consequences of his actions, but that will also teach him to do the right thing the next time. It is worse to do something wrong and then lie about it than to do something wrong and confess what happened. Remind your kids that they can always tell you the truth and they should not fear your reaction.

Taking Something That Is Not Theirs

Stealing is another way of being dishonest. Whether your child took something from a store, a friend’s house, or school, or hid his sister’s toy, taking something that isn’t his is not honest. Teach your child that in order for something to be his belonging, it must be paid for or given to him. If he wants what his friend has, he must ask to share. Sometimes, young kids make mistakes or are still learning the ropes. If your child swipes something from a store, bring him back and have him apologize to the clerk. He will learn why stealing is wrong and how it affects others. Kids will learn to understand the value of personal belongings when they realize that everyone cannot have anything they want at any time. This is what makes things valuable to us.

Saying How You Feel

While we encourage our kids to tell the truth, sometimes saying everything on our mind is not the best way to go. This can lead to kids being inadvertently hurtful to others. If your child doesn’t like his sister’s dress, he should not tell her it is ugly. Teach your children to find something positive to say about others or not say anything at all. Of course, kids should be honest about how they feel about others and situations they are in, but encourage them to talk to you or a close family member before they blurt out something they can’t take back. In time, your kids will learn how to deal with others directly in an effective and positive manner.

What do you do to teach your children the value of honesty? For more articles like this, please visit All My Children Daycare.

By: Melissa A. Kay

Even from a very early age, teaching your children the importance of sharing is a valuable lifelong lesson. Sharing really is caring and shows friends, family and even strangers that you appreciate them and want to give what you are able to. Here are a few examples of how to show your kids to share and why it’s a wonderful lesson.

Toys

Kids can become possessive over their toys and want everything to be “mine”. Explain to your kids that by sharing, playing can be even more fun. Sharing with siblings or friends can be a great way for your child to learn more about their toys and different ways to use them. In return, their siblings and friends may share their toys with your kids, so everyone gets double (or more) the toys to play with! Encourage swapping toys your kids have grown tired of with toys their friends are no longer interested in. Another positive way to share is to donate a toy each holiday season or birthday to a shelter or toy drive for kids in need.

Clothing

Hand-me-downs are one way to share clothing, but you can make your child part of the process too. Instead of buying every trendy piece of clothing, consider taking your child with another parent with a child of the same size to go shopping together. Agree upon sharing what you buy, so you only need to purchase half what you would have otherwise. Encourage tweens and teens to raid one another’s closets and try each other’s clothing. Be sure it’s cleaned before you return. Again, the most important way to share is with those less fortunate. Take your child to a clothing drive with some items she no longer wants or is willing to give up. Seeing the gratitude on other’s faces will enforce how powerful sharing can be.

Food

Sharing food is sharing love. By sharing at mealtime, kids will learn patience and the importance of eating mindfully. Kids can share at restaurants by splitting a main dish (which is usually too big for kids anyhow). Sharing is also a good way to introduce new foods into your child’s usual diet. Kids can share snacks at lunchtime and snack time. It is fun for kids to trade ½ their sandwich so they can taste new foods. Sharing canned food with food pantries is a great lesson to teach kids about those in need and what they can do to make a difference in other’s lives.

How do you teach your child to share? Share with us. Now go ahead and share this article with someone! Read more info like this at All My Children.

By: Melissa A. Kay