A Child Is Always Truthful: Great Tips for Young Parents

The mind of a child is like clay. You can mold it whichever way you want. It is the responsibility of the parents and those who closely interact with the child on a day-to-day basis to inculcate values in the child.

For this, first of all, we should know what these values are. Honesty and truthfulness are of prime importance. Truth and peace are intricately connected. When you are truthful, speak the truth, and believe only in what is real, there will be far fewer conflicts in your life, or perhaps no conflict at all. Then, there is nothing to hide, nothing to be afraid of. Truth is a great strength, and ultimately, truth alone prevails. Satyameva Jayate.

When you are truthful and honest, you are in sync with nature—aligned with what is real in nature. Take a simple example. Imagine you are on a boat in the middle of an ocean with a few others. Suddenly, you say, 'Look, there is an island there; let’s go.' It’s a lie. You just wanted to create some excitement because the day has been too quiet, so you wanted to charge everyone up. That’s why you did this.

The others ask, 'Where? Where?' saying, 'We can’t see it.' You insist, 'Yes, it is there.' Then, you all go in that direction. After some time, they realize that you have only fooled them. You pat yourself on your own back and say, 'See how smart I am.' However, when you do this, there are consequences. For one, frustration is created; they were all excited and wanted to see the island but were fooled. Nobody is happy when they realize that they have been deceived. Your credibility goes down. And if this sort of behavior is a habit for you, then when you are in real trouble and need help, nobody will believe you. 

Even if you did it as a joke, it can leave a blemish on your character. In the long run, there is nothing to be gained from dishonesty. We know this. All those who evaded taxes and siphoned funds dishonestly are in big trouble now. With advancing technology, it has become more difficult to deceive, especially the authorities. Nature also doesn’t favor dishonesty. Dishonesty leads to conflicts, both internal and external.

How do you inculcate honesty in a child? You can’t give a sermon, like what I am doing now. A child, by birth, is honest and truthful. First of all, understand this. You don’t have to bring honesty from outside. Truth is within the child. You only have to protect it. Whatever the child sees every day around them can change this truthful nature.

So, first of all, never be dishonest in the presence of a child, even for fun. For example, don’t say, 'Come see, there is a peacock in our compound,' and then, when the child comes out, say, 'Hey, I fooled you; there is nothing.' Don’t do this. This is how you plant lies in the child’s mind, even in jest. Innocent as it may look, it can have far-reaching consequences on the child’s character.

Knowledge Bank

Was Thiruvalluvar married?

Yes. His wife was Vasugi.

Who are Ilvala and Vatapi?

According to Skanda Purana, Ilvala and Vatapi are sons of Sage Durvasa and Ajamukhi (a demoness). They asked their father to transfer all his power to them. Durvasa got angry and cursed that they will die at the hands of Agasthya.