How do I respond to half-truths that hide the hurtful part? 

Parenting Perspective 

Children sometimes tell half-truths, giving you part of a story while intentionally hiding the more hurtful or embarrassing details. For example, they might admit to dropping something but ‘forget’ to mention they were being careless, or say they have finished their homework but leave out the part where they copied from a friend. This can be unsettling for a parent, as you may sense that your child is holding something back. Your role in these moments is to guide your child towards full honesty in a way that feels safe and constructive. 

Understand Why Children Tell Half-Truths 

A child might hide certain details of a story for a number of reasons. 

• Fear of punishment: They reveal the ‘safe’ part of the story but hide the detail that they think will get them into trouble. 

• Avoiding shame: They do not want to look bad in your eyes. 

• Testing boundaries: They are hoping that a partial story will be enough to satisfy you. 

Recognising these motives can help you to respond with understanding instead of with immediate anger. 

Show That You Have Noticed the Gaps 

Let your child know in a calm and non-accusatory way that you can see something is missing from their story. You could say: ‘I appreciate that you have told me part of the story, but I have a feeling there is more that I need to hear.’ This opens the door for them to share the hidden part without feeling cornered. 

Teach That Honesty Means the Whole Story 

Explain this concept in a simple way. For example: ‘Telling only half of the truth is like covering one of your eyes; you cannot see the whole picture. For me to be able to help you properly, I need to know the whole truth.’ 

Encourage Courage over Fear 

Reassure your child that you value their honesty far more than their perfection. You could say: ‘It is okay if the full truth feels hard to tell. What matters most to me is that you are honest, because then we can solve any problem together.’ This makes telling the full truth feel safer than offering a partial one. 

Guide Them Towards Repair 

Once your child has admitted the hidden part of the story, it is important to focus on solutions, not on blame. 

• If they have hidden their own careless behaviour, you can teach them safer habits. 

• If they have concealed a mistake, you can guide them in fixing it. 

• If they have held back their feelings, you can help them to express them respectfully. 

Mini Dialogue Example 

Parent: ‘Thank you for telling me that you dropped the vase. But I have a feeling there is more to the story. Can you tell me the whole truth?’ 

Child: ‘…I was throwing the ball inside, even though you told me not to.’ 

Parent: ‘I really appreciate your honesty now. That was brave. Let’s agree to only play with the ball outside from now on so our things stay safe. Now, let’s get this cleaned up together.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that concealing part of the truth is a form of falsehood, and that complete honesty is a sign of righteousness. By connecting these lessons to their faith, you can help your child to see that telling the truth is not just about avoiding trouble, but about pleasing Allah and building a trustworthy character. 

Hiding Part of the Truth Is Wrong 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Baqarah (2), Verse 42: 

‘And do not mix the truth with falsehood, and do not conceal the truth, and you are fully aware (of what you are doing).’ 

This verse teaches us that truth must be whole and complete. For a child, you can explain: ‘Allah tells us in the Quran that we should not hide parts of the truth. He wants us to be clear and honest in everything that we say.’ 

Truthfulness Leads to Goodness 

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

‘You must be truthful, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise A man may speak the truth and be recorded with Allah as truthful. Beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire.’ 

For a child, this can be simplified: ‘When we tell the full truth, Allah writes our name down as one of the truthful ones. But when we hide part of the truth, it can take us in the wrong direction.’ 

By weaving these lessons into your gentle conversations, you show your child that honesty is not about avoiding punishment, but about becoming the kind of person that Allah loves. Over time, they will learn that telling the whole truth, even when it is difficult, is what brings peace, trust, and blessings.