"I can not tell a lie" or can you?! Talking Honesty w/our Kids - #GIVEAWAY #HTHonesty #sponsored

The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Right? Isn't that what we tell our kids? But then do they hear us tell someone "oh, I'm so sorry I can't volunteer for xyz, I have a (made up) appointment" or "Oh, I love what you've done with your hair" just to turn around and tell someone how bad it looks. I mean seriously, haven't we all told little white lies here and there? Please tell me I am not the only one who has been in a situation like that (because that will really make me feel like I have earned the Lousy Mother Award). Kids learn what they live. That's a scary thought sometimes. So, how do we instill the values we want in our children? How do we begin those important discussions about things like honesty? First, as parents, if we are going to talk the talk, we need to walk the walk. {I'm trying, really, I am!} Second, we can open up discussions with our children. This can sometimes be difficult...especially depending on the child's age. (I have a 13 yr old. 'Nuff said.)

That's why I am excited to share this new line of children's books called The Principles of Our World, from Harvest Time Partners. They are designed to help parents reinforce the importance of things like Honesty, Courage, Teamwork and more. I think it's important to start these discussions early, and continue to reinforce them as they get older. My 6 y/o has just started recently with telling little lies like "yes, I brushed my teeth" when he didn't. So this book came at a great time so we could talk more about our family values and review different scenarios before he is faced with them.

I really like the way the books are laid out..they are broken down into chapters, and each chapter gives a real-life situation in which the person has to decide the best course of action. The following is from the above pictured book Principle of Honesty...

As I reviewed the situations in each chapter, I would stop and ask what he would do in that particular situation before reading the resolution. It opened up some great discussion about how we always have a choice to make, and how important it is to make the right one. Honesty really is the best policy. And what about when we, as parents, screw up?! Well, for me, the best option is to fess up. Just say straight up...I made the wrong choice, I should have done this or that, and try to make it right. Kids are faced with all kinds of situations, and even though we try to arm them with the values and education they need, they are going to make mistakes along the way. So, they need to learn about taking responsibility for bad decisions. I always tell my kids 'you did/said it, now own it'. If you do it, stand behind it or admit why it was wrong. It's better to face it and get through it than to try to hide or ignore it.

GIVEAWAY - 

Are you interested in viewing the Principles of Our World book series? They are great for parents or teachers who would like to read them to children (ages 4+) or for young, independent readers (ages 7+). I think they are a great resource to have, because really, can we have too much help raising children?! 

Just enter via this

Entry-Form

The giveaway will run through October 3, 2014.

Disclosure: I am part of the PTPA Brand Ambassador Program with Harvest Time and I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.