How can I use play or role-play to practise simple truth-telling? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children learn some of their most important lessons through play. While lectures about the importance of honesty can feel heavy and intimidating, role-playing and other playful activities allow children to explore the concept of truth-telling in a safe and engaging way. By weaving honesty into their games, you make it less about pressure and more about learning a skill they can use naturally in their everyday lives. 

Understand Why Play is an Effective Tool 

Play is a powerful medium for learning because it lowers a child’s fear and defensiveness. When honesty is practised through stories, toys, or pretend situations, children can try out truthful responses without worrying about real-life consequences. It helps to transform the idea of truth-telling from a stressful duty into a fun and positive family value. 

Use Toys and Dolls for Practice 

You can set up small, simple scenarios with their favourite toys to open up a conversation about honesty. 

• A doll spills some blocks and then tries to hide them. You can ask your child, ‘What do you think the doll should say to her mummy?’ 

• A teddy bear eats some biscuits without permission. You could ask, ‘Should the teddy say it was not him, or should he tell the truth about what happened?’ 

Guide your child to help the toy admit the mistake honestly, and then show them how the problem can be fixed easily when everyone works together. 

Play ‘Truth Detective’ 

Make honesty into a fun challenge by pretending to be ‘truth detectives’ who solve problems by finding out what is true. 

• Start with silly questions like, ‘Did the cat drive the car to the shops today?’ and laugh together when your child says no. 

• Then, you can move on to real-life practice questions like, ‘Did you spill some water in the kitchen earlier?’ and offer warm praise when they answer honestly. 

Role-Play Real-Life Scenarios 

Rehearse some of the common situations that might tempt a child to lie. 

• Accidentally breaking a toy. 

• Forgetting to put something away. 

• Struggling with a piece of homework. 

Take turns being the parent and the child. You can model saying: ‘I made a mistake. I am sorry. Can you help me to fix it?’ Then, allow your child to try. Applaud their honesty during the practice, so that it feels easier for them to do in real life. 

Celebrate Honesty During the Game 

Whenever your child chooses the truthful option in your play, celebrate it warmly: ‘That was great! You told the truth straight away, and look how quickly we solved the problem together.’ This helps to build positive associations with being honest. 

Mini Dialogue Example 

Parent (playing with a toy car): ‘Oh no, the car has just knocked over all the blocks! Should the car say it did not do it, or should it tell the truth?’ 

Child: ‘It should tell the truth.’ 

Parent: ‘Yes, you are right! Because then we can all tidy up the blocks together. That is what makes everyone feel better.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that truthfulness is the foundation of a good character, and it is a quality that should be nurtured from a very young age. By connecting play and role-play to these core Islamic values, children learn that being honest is not just a family rule, but a beautiful way to grow closer to Allah. 

Truthfulness as a Way of Life 

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 can be explained to children in a simple way: ‘Allah tells us to always be with people who are truthful. When we practise being honest in our games, we are training ourselves to be the kind of people that Allah loves.’ 

The Prophet’s Emphasis on Honesty 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6094, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person.’ 

For a child, the meaning of this can be simplified: ‘Every time you tell the truth, even when you are just playing a game, you are taking a step towards Jannah. Every little act of truth helps to build you into a truthful person.’ 

By weaving these gentle reminders into their play, children come to understand that honesty is not only fun and safe, but also a vital part of their faith. They begin to see themselves as future truthful adults, loved by their parents and, most importantly, by Allah.