Discuss with your children, beginning as early as possible, how much you value honesty in your household. Speak them how vital it is for all of you to know that you can always rely on each other to tell the truth, even when it is tough. There will be no trust or intimacy in your family if there is no honesty between parents and children. Children need to understand that honesty isn't just an ethical principle but also a way of life that allows them to grow up into healthy adults. Help them see that honesty is useful because it helps keep agreements, reduces conflicts, and improves relationships with others. Teach your children from an early age that honesty is important. Explain that honesty means telling the truth, even if it is not easy. Talk with them about situations where honesty would be best for everyone involved. Model honesty for them by being honest yourself. Let them know that lying is wrong and they should never lie to protect someone else's feelings. If your child asks why people don't always act like they say they are going to, let them know that honesty is important and we should all try to be honest even if it is hard sometimes. Tell them that people will not always be able to tell when you are lying, but that it is still important to be honest even if it hurts sometimes. Finally, remind your children that honesty is the only way to have trust and respect.