Avoid doing this, if you want honest kids

3 months ago 61

Jan 14, 2025

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Key behaviors to avoid for encouraging honesty in kids

Building trust and honesty with children is essential. To encourage honesty, avoid some behaviors that will create fear or confusion unintentionally. Here are key actions to steer clear of.

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Lying or exaggerating

Children are keen observers and may mimic dishonest behaviour. If they see adults lying or exaggerating, they may feel it’s acceptable to do the same.

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Overreacting to their honesty

Reacting with anger or disappointment when a child is honest can discourage them from speaking freely in the future. Stay calm and supportive.

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Breaking promises

If you make promises and fail to keep them, children may lose trust in your words and become less likely to be honest with you.

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Talking about them behind their back

When children hear you speak negatively about them behind their backs, they they tend to feel hurt and less likely to open up before you.

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Being judgmental

Criticizing or judging a child's thoughts, feelings, or actions harshly can make them feel unsafe in sharing their true thoughts with you.

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Making them feel guilty for being honest

Guilt-tripping a child for their honesty can create an environment where they're afraid to speak the truth in the future.

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Ignoring their feelings

Dismissing or ignoring their feelings when they try to share something important can lead them to believe their thoughts don't matter.

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Using their honesty against them

If you use something a child has confided in you against them later on, they will feel betrayed and less likely to be honest in the future.

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Setting unrealistic expectations

Setting impossible standards or expectations can discourage children from expressing themselves truthfully if they feel they can't meet those standards.

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