Parenting Perspective 

Our children learn about honesty not from our lectures, but from our lives. They are keen observers of our daily actions, and when they see us bending the truth in small ways, they learn that honesty is optional. Consistently modelling truthfulness in everyday moments is the most powerful way to teach them that integrity is a living, breathing value. 

Practise Honesty in the Small Things 

Pay attention to the small ‘white lies’ that can creep into daily life. Avoid making a false excuse on a phone call or promising a treat you do not intend to give. Your child is listening, and these moments teach them whether your words can be trusted. 

Admit Your Own Mistakes Openly 

When you make a mistake, own it without fuss or excuses. A simple, ‘I completely forgot about that, it was my fault,’ is a powerful lesson. It normalises imperfection and shows that taking responsibility is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Speak About Others with Fairness 

The way you speak about people when they are not around is a direct reflection of your integrity. Avoid gossip or exaggeration in front of your children. Model fairness and respect in your speech, demonstrating that truthfulness applies to how we represent others. 

Be a Person Who Keeps Their Word 

When you make a promise to your child, treat it as a sacred commitment. If circumstances make it impossible to follow through, explain why honestly instead of ignoring it. This builds a deep and lasting foundation of trust in your relationship. 

By living truthfully in these small but significant ways, you teach your child that honesty is not a part-time policy but a guiding principle for a good life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that truthfulness is an essential attribute of a believer, a quality to be practised with consistency, not just when it is convenient. As parents, our accountability is heightened, as the values we model are directly absorbed by our children. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tawbah (9), Verse 119: 

‘ O you who are believers, seek piety from Allah (Almighty) and (always) be in the company of the truthful (people)…’ 

This verse is a direct command not only to be truthful ourselves but also to surround ourselves with truthful people. For a child, their parents are their primary company, making it our duty to be the ‘truthful ones’ they live with. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 1542, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘A man will continue to speak the truth and strive to speak the truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful one.’ 

This beautiful hadith shows that truthfulness is not just an act, but a state of being that is achieved through consistent effort. Every small, honest choice we make contributes to building an identity of truthfulness in the sight of Allah. 

By aligning your parenting with honesty in everyday actions, you show your child that truthfulness is both a family value and an act of worship. Over time, they will learn that honesty is not just spoken but lived, drawing them closer to both you and Allah Almighty.