SUGGESTIONS FOR BUILDING ASSETS

Asset # 29- Honesty

(Young people tell the truth - even when it is not easy)

To Build Asset # 29 Parents and Extended Family Can . . .

* Build trust so your child feels safe to tell the truth.

* Don't lie to your kids, even about little things. Always tell the truth.

* Help your child to be aware of the good feelings that come from being honest.

* Understand that kids may lie from time to time, as part of their moral development. If they start to lie or acknowledge that they lied, praise them for being strong enough to correct their mistake. Use it as a learning experience rather than a scolding.

* Let your children know when you had to struggle to tell the truth to someone. Let them know if you had to back yourself out of a lie, even little white social lies. Discuss those feelings with them.

* Be an "ask able parent" so that when your children are confused about something, they will look to you for advice. If the issue is honesty, help them discover the truth and help them prepare an honest response.

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63% of youth surveyed by Search Institute have this asset in their lives.*

*Based on Search Institute surveys of almost 100,000 6th to 12th grade youth throughout the United States