In reading “The Success Principles” by Jack Canfield, one of the success priciples is based on telling the truth. Most of us avoid telling the truth because it’s uncomfortable. We are afriad of the consequences like making others feel uncomfortable, hurting their feelings, or risking them being angry. And yet, when we don’t tell the truth, and others don’t tell us the truth, we can’t deal with matters from a basis in reality.

Are we teaching our kids about being truthful? We’ve all heard the phrase that “the truth will set you free.” And it will. The truth allows us to be free to deal with the way things are, not the way we want or imagine them to be or hope them to be. The truth also frees up our energy. It takes energy to withhold the truth, keep a secret, or keep up an act. Learning to speak your truth sooner is one of the most important success habits you will ever develop. As soon as you start asking yourself the question “I wonder when would be the best time to tell the truth,” that’s actually the best time to do so.

When children (or others) lie, and are found out, it takes a long time for someone to trust them again. Remember the last time you found out that a family member or friend lied to you? How did that make you feel? Were you able to forgive and forget? Were you able to move past it? We must let our children know that although telling the truth will be uncomfortable and possibly create lots of reactions, it is the right thing to do. They must also know hiding the truth always backfires. The longer you withhold it, the more disservice you do to yourself and to the others involved.

Being a parent is difficult. There are many things to teach our children.If we start with being truthful and honest at all times, our children will build successful habits and have the integrity we can be proud of.

Are you honest and truthful? Remember, everything starts at home.