Teachers and parents sometimes tend to tell little white lies to sugar coat truths from children. People say that reality will upset and harm children. However, it prevents children from the development of resilience that makes their future easier to cope.
So, we sugar coat truths so there are no hurt feelings. Parents and teachers want to encourage children to function in society. However, life is complicated and is full of uncomfortable conversations. Children ask difficult questions and are looking for honest, informative answers. Being truthful gives children the tools they need for success in today’s world.
Why Reality is Sugar Coated
• Spare feeling of people
• Avoid judgement
• Manipulate a situation
• To get something
• Fear of losing a friend
After all, everyone tells a white lie on occasion, it’s just a question of why.
Avoiding Reality
A school in Cambridge, England rewards students for a fast and easy reason for behavior. Students with the best white lie does not receive a punishment. The concept permits children to express themselves with utilizing blatant lies. They use truths interspersed with believable untruths. Ed Elliott, a school official states, “Getting children to talk their way out of minor misdemeanors is a wonderful way of encouraging such creativity and fostering good communication skills.” Accordingly, the ultimate goal is to create a quick-thinking generation.
Rationalization
However, many feel that by rationalizing white lies we are unconsciously lying to ourselves. But, as parents and teachers take a strong lead on not lying, children will follow. Parents and teachers are primary role models. And, play an essential part in exhibiting honesty. Also, they have the most authority to instill a commitment to the truth. According to Victoria Talwar, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at MGill University in Montreal, “All children lie. Teaching children about the importance of honesty early and teaching them how to resolve situation so they don’t need to rely on lying will ensure they will be honest — out of the time”.
A good role model is crucial for children. Children that have a communicative bond with parents and teachers feel comfortable talking and disclosing information so there is no need for sugar coating or the telling of little white lies. As white lies occur, caregivers must think about why and find the root of the problem.
