Parenting Perspective 

Children often hide things because they are afraid of disappointing their parents or facing punishment. To encourage honesty, it is essential to create an environment where your child feels safe enough to tell the truth. The goal is not to remove consequences, but to ensure that discipline is always balanced with compassion. 

Create a Safe Space for Honesty 

Reassure your child that making mistakes is a normal part of growing up. You can tell them, ‘Even if I do not like what happened, I will always be proud of you for telling me the truth.’ This helps them to separate their action from your love for them, making it feel safer to be honest. 

Respond Calmly, Even When Upset 

If your child admits to something difficult, it is crucial to avoid reacting with anger. Instead, take a moment to compose yourself and praise their honesty first: ‘Thank you for telling me. That was very brave.’ Only then should you move on to discussing a solution. This reinforces the idea that honesty strengthens your relationship. 

Model Honesty in Your Own Behaviour 

Children learn best from the examples they see. Admit your own small mistakes openly—’I forgot to post that letter, that was my fault’—to show that accountability is normal. This teaches them that honesty is not just a rule for them, but is a core value for the entire family. Over time, they will feel secure enough to be truthful even when it is difficult. 

Spiritual Insight 

Be With Those Who Are Truthful 

Islam honours truthfulness as a defining quality of a believer. The Quran commands us not only to be truthful ourselves, but to be in the company of those who are truthful, highlighting its importance in our spiritual lives. 

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).‘ 

Honesty Leads to Paradise 

The prophetic tradition teaches that the habit of speaking the truth, when practised consistently, becomes a path that leads a person to Paradise. This elevates honesty from a mere social courtesy to an act of eternal significance. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 1971, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to speak the truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person.’ 

Honesty as a Shield 

When you teach your child that honesty is always rewarded, both with your trust and with the pleasure of Allah, you give them the courage to overcome their fear. In this way, truthfulness becomes a shield that protects their character and guides their future.