Do Not Lie To Children

Do Not Lie To Children

It sounds a simple thing, doesn’t it? “Don’t lie to children” and the immediate thought is.

“Why wouldn’t you just say, don’t lie Wallace?”

Oddly, I find, people lie to children a lot. Even people who think themselves honest lie to children a lot. often they say it is to protect the child but I think, really, it’s to protect themselves from uncomfortable conversations.

So, why not?

Well, for one, you do them a grave disservice. And I’m not talking about games here or the like, of course, I’m talking about, well life. If they’re asking you something it’s because they have a curiosity and they think you, of all people, have the authority to know. They’ve granted you the ability to direct their infinite minds into the future and if you lie to them you give them nothing. You do not arm them with the knowledge or tools they will need and worse may fill their minds with falsehoods that will impede their growth.

In those moments when children ask of us we each don societies’ most sacred role, teacher, and I think it’s important we treat it as such.

So, don’t lie to children, don’t lie to people, but don’t lie to people who ask of you so that they may grow.

I did say “for one” before and that implies there’s a two, at least. And there is.

It cheapens yourself. Especially if you’re lying to spare yourself and uncomfortable conversation. If you can’t have an uncomfortable conversation with a child how can you have such a conversation with your lover, a boss, with anyone ELSE of meaning in your life.

And I say ELSE because all children should be someone of meaning to you, but I digress.

In trying to teach children we teach ourselves. We teach ourselves our limits, we teach ourselves how to transform complex thought into something clear and understandable. We learn, I hope, humility in our ignorance. And even in that we teach the child that that even we adults can learn more and aren’t afraid to admit our limits.

And maybe the child will teach you something as well.

These frail bundles of potential need so very much from us, the least we can do is deal with them honestly.

When did this become a wannabe philosophy blog?

I hope the week previous found you well and that the one coming treats you better.

Take care and God bless;

~S. Wallace