Written by: Pastor James

LifeWise Shelby County-TN | For Parents & Grandparents

Welcome back to “Growing Greatness,” your weekly guide to raising #BeAmazing kids! This Friday, we’re focusing on a value that builds trust, strengthens families, and shapes our community for the better: Honesty.

Why Honesty Matters

Honesty is at the heart of every strong relationship. When children learn to tell the truth, they gain the trust of those around them and develop a sense of integrity that will serve them for life. In a world where it’s sometimes easier to hide the truth, teaching honesty helps our kids stand out as leaders and role models.

The Bible teaches us the importance of honesty:

“An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.”
-Proverbs 24:26

God values truth because He is the source of all truth. When we are honest, we reflect God’s character and show respect for ourselves and others.

How to Teach Honesty at Every Age

For Young Children (Ages 3–7):

• Model Truthfulness: Let your child see you tell the truth, even in small things. If you make a mistake, admit it and show how to make it right.
• Read and Role-Play: Share simple stories about honesty and act them out together. Use dolls or action figures to show what happens when someone tells the truth or tells a lie.
• Gentle Correction: When your child is tempted to fib, gently encourage them to be truthful and praise their honesty.

For Elementary Kids (Ages 8–12):

• Talk About Trust: Explain how honesty builds trust and why it matters in friendships and family. Ask, “How do you feel when someone tells you the truth? How do you feel when they don’t?”
• Use Real-Life Examples: Discuss situations where honesty might be hard but is still the right choice. Share stories from your own life or from the Bible, like the story of Sarah in Genesis 18:1–15, who learned the value of telling the truth.
• Set Clear Expectations: Let your child know that telling the truth is always expected, even when it’s difficult.

For Teens (Ages 13+):

• Discuss Consequences: Talk openly about the consequences of dishonesty and the freedom that comes from living with integrity. Use scriptures like Numbers 32:23:
  “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”
• Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask your teen about situations where they felt tempted to hide the truth and explore what made honesty hard in those moments.
• Connect to Faith: Remind them that Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Living honestly is part of following Him.

Spreading Honesty Across Memphis

In Memphis, honesty is more important than ever. Our city thrives when we trust each other and work together with open hearts. By teaching our kids to be honest, we’re building a community where everyone can feel safe, respected, and valued.

Share this article with your family, friends, and church. Let’s encourage every parent and grandparent in Memphis to raise kids who choose truth-even when it’s tough.