Parenting advice for teaching honesty

As adults we often think a white lie will help a situation / avoid conflict. Our children often see this /learn by example (i.e, the time I negatively RSVPd to an event because we had out of town guests "is Aunt Carol really coming to visit this weekend, mommy?"). It's a fine line we walk regarding absolutely honesty and sparing someone's feelings, isn't it? I have often used my mom's advice -- if you cannot say something nice, don't say anything at all.

Second, don't you love it when they do not tell a lie but the answer is not exactly what you want (i.e., did you hit your sister? "Yes!")? It is always a challenge to figure out how to praise the honesty and punish the behavior. Another fine line.

Parenting is full of them!realparentsrealanswers