Training a young child to be honest in his words and acttions is very challenging. Dishonesty in our society is a great disease of the heart. Our society is infiltrated with dishonesty. We can use Adam and Eve as an example, none of us like to admit when we have done something wrong. Children must learn to confess any wrongdoing because this prepares them to confess the wrongdoing to God. This will mold them to use the Sacrament of Confession on a regular basis. In the child’s case, when a child initiates confessing a sin to a parent he should be forgiven. Of course, he should be required to make the proper restitution for his sin.
If a parent knows a child has committed a sin and then confronts the child and he repeatedly denies the sin or tries to justify it, he should be punished for the sin and for lying. If the child is taught the loving mercy of God from the beginning he will know that lying is a sin. As, parents we must stress the loving and absolute forgiveness from God when the child repents. This will also be a good teaching time for the Sacrament of Confession.
Lies are in the heart because of original sin, so don’t be shocked when you see dishonesty early in your child. As parents, we must live our lives in honesty and be an example to our children. Teach your children that God dispises liying lips and deceitful hearts. Take action early against lying and deceit and the rode to heaven will come easier for you and your children.
