Honesty

Hands-on options

How many times have you begun to share an important truth with your children, only to watch their eyes grow dull and their attention begin to wander elsewhere? It's distressing, isn't it? These simple activities will keep their eyes sparkling and their interest engaged while you explain the importance of being honest. Choose just one or two ideas that will appeal to your children.

Filter options by:
  • An honest kid

    Any time

    Share this true story of a boy whose honesty in T-ball gained him a mention in Sports Illustrated magazine.

    Discussion point: Honesty earns the trust of others.

    View option
  • Certificate of authenticity

    Any time, Drive time

    Visit a jewellery store and see if you can distinguish between real and fake jewels.

    Discussion point: Sometimes we can fool people, but we can’t hide the truth from God.

    View option
  • Honest scales

    Science with a twist

    Make a simple set of scales, and explain how people sometimes use “dishonest” scales.

    Discussion point: Both children and adults highly value those who tell the truth.

    View option
  • Jujube® sneak

    Fun with food

    One parent sneaks a handful of candy, then asks the kids for advice on whether to truthfully confess.

    Discussion point: Truth brings blessing; lies lead to punishment.

    View option
  • Party time!

    Fun with food

    Have a party – either simple or elaborate – to celebrate the fact that your family speaks the truth.

    Discussion point: 1 Corinthians 13:6 “Love… rejoices with the truth.”

    View option
  • Pure truth

    Science with a twist

    Show how pepper “flees” from a soapy cotton swab.

    Discussion point: Lying and other sins separate us from our holy God; seeking His forgiveness restores the relationship.

    View option
  • Real versus make believe exercise

    Any time, Drive time

    Tell your children stories and have them practice discerning whether the stories are factual or fictional.

    Discussion point: We need to distinguish truth from make believe.

    View option
  • Sweet detectives

    Fun with food

    Through crumbs and spills, try to deceive others about which treat was sampled.

    Discussion point: Concealing the truth is considered lying; God always knows the truth.

    View option
  • The lie trap

    Getting into nature

    Watch a bug become entangled in a spider’s web.

    Discussion point: Satan wants us to get tangled up in lies; you can get “untangled” through confession and forgiveness.

    View option
  • Travelling tales and tails

    Drive time

    While driving, point out things that aren’t really there.

    Discussion point: If we are dishonest, even just to be funny, people will lose trust in what we say.

    View option
  • Truth champions

    Creative crafts

    Read about the armour of God, then make a belt of truth; discuss how Jesus speaks truth, but Satan tells lies.

    Discussion point: Telling the truth shows we are on God’s team.

    View option
  • “Oh yucky!” exercise

    Fun with food

    Invite your children to try some foods that you know they detest.

    Discussion point: God hates lying far more than we dislike “yucky” food.

    View option