How to Teach Honesty to Preschoolers
Besides teaching your preschooler her alphabet and colors, it's your responsibility as parent to encourage positive character development. One of the most essential lessons for a preschooler to learn about is honesty. Although it can be difficult to teach a young child why lying is wrong and telling the truth is right, failure to do so can cause even more problems. Don't allow your preschooler to think that lying is the way to overcome adversity.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Explain the importance of telling the truth. Use age-appropriate language to stress the value of being honest. Let preschoolers know that telling the truth feels good and is the "big boy" or "big girl" thing to do. Make it clear that lying can cause others to mistrust their word and leads to sadness. Preschoolers should understand that their actions have an effect on others as well as their own conscious.
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2
Stay firm with your preschooler concerning the consequences of lying. Teach your preschooler that the immediate gain or relief from telling a lie isn't worth the lasting effects lying causes. Explain that lying affects your character and makes it easier to tell more lies. Don't allow your preschooler to tell lies to stay out of trouble. Resist those "puppy-dog" eyes and "crocodile" tears at all costs. Although it may hurt you to correct your child's behavior, not doing so sends mixed signals about consequences and makes the child more likely to manipulate you in the future.
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3
Read literature to relay the importance of honesty to preschoolers. Take advantage of your preschooler's desire to relate to stories to reinforce your message. Use stories such as "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" to illustrate how dishonesty can make others not believe you, even when you're being honest. Ask questions throughout the stories to ensure that your preschooler is soaking up the intended messages.
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4
Set a positive example for your preschooler. Young children are like sponges and soak up your examples for future reference. Avoid lying to or breaking promises to your preschooler because he can use negative behavior to justify his own dishonesty. Explain moderation to your preschooler to avoid those "mouth-drop" moments when she says everything that comes to her mind without a second thought.
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5
Refrain from leading your preschooler into dishonesty. This simply means avoiding asking questions that you already know the truth about. It's more effective to ask a preschooler "why" he did something than "if" he did something when you are sure of his guilt. This gives him chance to accept responsibility for his actions and discourages him from lying.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Reinforce the importance of telling the truth "the first time" by rewarding your preschooler for immediate honesty. Using an incentive chart can let your preschooler see the positive result of her actions.
Avoid labeling your preschooler as a liar. This negative label could damage her self-esteem.
