The Brutal Honesty of Children: When Honesty Goes Too Far
Honesty is often praised as a virtue, but it can also be hurtful when delivered without tact or consideration for the other person’s feelings. This was the case for a mother who chose to be brutally honest with her 8-year-old daughter, telling her she did not want to keep her art project. While the mother may have wanted to teach her daughter the importance of honesty, her approach was insensitive and hurtful.
While children are known for their honesty, it’s important to consider the impact of our words on their developing self-esteem and confidence. Honesty should not come at the expense of kindness and empathy. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to model and teach the value of honesty, while also demonstrating compassion and understanding towards others.
