Home
Log in / Sign Up
    Private Messages   Advanced Search   Rules   New User Guide   FAQ   Advertise   Contact Us  
Forum -> Parenting our children -> School age children
How can I teach my son about honesty?



Post new topic   Reply to topic View latest: 24h 48h 72h

amother
White


 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 9:14 am
Today I found a paper on the floor that said, "I won't stand up while eating" 300 times. I asked each of my kids if it was theirs and each one denied it, but it was clear from the way he denied it that it was my 11-year-old son's. I also compared the handwriting to his school work and it was the same.

I approached him and told him I knew it was his and he sheepishly hung his head in shame and did not deny it again. I told him that I was more upset about the fact that he lied than I was about his needing to be punished in school. He said he understood and added that 17 boys in his class were given this punishment. We made up to discuss it more later since he had a friend over at the time.

When I speak to him later, what can I tell him to teach him how important it is to be honest?
Back to top

sequoia




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 9:22 am
300???

Geez, I thought it was harsh when I got 50 lines to write in school.
Back to top

bigsis144




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 9:33 am
I think you may need to give your child space on this one.

He’s already dealing with the shame/resentment of being punished once; although you should expect him to be honest as a person in general, it’s not malicious or unforgivable for him not to own up to something like this, especially not in the “heat of the moment”.

And even later, empathy may work better than accusation. You don’t want him doubling down on guilt and then just working harder to hide his mistakes.
Back to top

Ruchel




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 10:42 am
YOu can tell him Hashem sees it all, and that you get more in trouble for lying on top of whatever he did, but here, 300!!!
Back to top

Rachel Shira




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 11:40 am
Normally I would say crack down for lying, but I’d be generous on this one because seriously? 300 times? And standing while eating isn’t even a terrible offense.
Back to top

amother
White


 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 12:36 pm
Apparently it was actually 323 times. There was some equation about the 17 boys times 19 I'm-not-sure-what that got to 323. DS actually didn't seem to feel much shame or resentment and I think that's because he was in such good company. That usually lessens the blow a lot.
Back to top

amother
Khaki


 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 4:54 pm
What a ridiculous punishment. In many schools repeated writing is considered corporal punishment. I guess if the the rebbe potches corporal punishment is not an issue.
Back to top

FranticFrummie




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 14 2018, 5:03 pm
Where does he go to school, Hogwarts? shock

In a calmer moment, explain to him that you need to know what's happening at school, because you want to be able to help him if he's having problems. If you phrase it so that it sounds like lying will not benefit him, but honesty will, he'll be more able to see the big picture.

Ever since DD was very little, I repeated over and over again "If you tell me the truth, I will be a little mad. If I find out that you were telling me stories (or lying), then I will be BIG mad."
Back to top
Page 1 of 1 Recent Topics




Post new topic   Reply to topic    Forum -> Parenting our children -> School age children

Related Topics Replies Last Post
How to teach children not to talk to strangers
by amother
4 Yesterday at 12:49 pm View last post
My son is infuriating and miserable to be around
by amother
28 Tue, Mar 26 2024, 12:42 pm View last post
So impressed with the honesty at local store
by amother
25 Thu, Mar 21 2024, 10:21 pm View last post
What to write on son's rebbi thank you card??
by amother
3 Wed, Mar 20 2024, 9:16 pm View last post
[ Poll ] Rashi wine for son's rebbi??
by amother
8 Tue, Mar 19 2024, 7:47 pm View last post