As a grandma, you have a special place in your grandkids’ hearts. They look up to you, trust you, and love spending time with you. That’s why you’re in the perfect spot to help them learn one of life’s most important values—honesty. Here are 14 gentle and fun ways you can teach your grandkids to be truthful.
1. Lead by Example
Kids watch everything we do. If you’re honest—even in small things—they’ll learn to be honest too. For example, if you get too much change at the store and give it back, explain to your grandkids why you did it. Say something like, “It’s the right thing to do. I want to be fair.”
2. Tell Stories with Honest Heroes
Stories are a powerful way to teach. Share books or tell family stories where the main character tells the truth, even when it’s hard. After the story, ask, “What would you have done?” It helps them think about why honesty matters.
There are many children’s books and Bible stories that talk about honesty. Read them together, then ask simple questions like, “What would you have done?” or “How did telling the truth help in that story?” These talks help them think deeply and understand why truth matters.
3. Tell Stories from Your Own Childhood
Kids love hearing stories about when you were young. Share a time when you told the truth—even if it was scary. Maybe you broke a vase and owned up to it, or you told your teacher you didn’t do your homework. These real-life stories help grandkids see that honesty takes courage and is always worth it.
4. Celebrate Truth-Telling
It’s easy to praise a child when they clean up their toys or do well in school. But don’t forget to cheer them on when they’re honest—especially when telling the truth is hard. When your grandchild tells the truth—especially when it’s tough—celebrate that moment. You can say, “Thank you for being honest. That shows courage.” This teaches them that telling the truth is something to be proud of.
5. Explain the Difference Between Mistakes and Lies
Sometimes kids think telling the truth about a mistake is just as bad as lying. Help them understand the difference. Say something like, “It’s okay to make mistakes. We all do! But it’s important to be honest about them so we can make things right.”
6. Talk About Consequences
Kids may not always understand why lying is a problem. Talk to them gently about how lies can hurt people or make it hard to trust each other. Use examples they understand, like, “If someone lied about breaking a toy, would it be fair to the person who got blamed?”
7. Use Gentle Correction
If your grandchild tells a lie, don’t get angry. Instead, stay calm and kind. Ask questions like, “What really happened?” Then talk about why telling the truth is better, even if there might be a consequence. You want them to feel safe being honest with you.
8. Play Honesty Games
Make learning fun! You can play games like “Truth or Tale,” where you tell two stories—one true, one made up—and your grandchild guesses which is which. It’s a fun way to talk about truth and lies in a lighthearted way.
9. Create a Safe Space
Let your grandkids know they can tell you anything, and you won’t get mad. Say things like, “You can always tell me the truth, even if it’s hard.” When they feel safe, they’re more likely to be honest.
10. Create a “Truth Time” Tradition
Pick a quiet time—maybe after dinner or before bed—and call it “Truth Time.” This is a safe space where your grandkids can tell you anything without getting in trouble. It could be something they’re proud of or something they feel bad about. Just listen and show love. Over time, they’ll feel safe being honest with you and others.
11. Model Making Things Right
If you ever make a mistake or forget something, show your grandkids how you fix it. Say, “Oops! I messed up. I’m sorry. I’ll make it right.” This teaches them that being honest doesn’t mean being perfect—it means taking responsibility.
12. Use Everyday Moments
Honesty lessons are everywhere! If your grandchild finds a dollar on the ground or accidentally breaks something, talk it through with them. Say, “What do you think is the honest thing to do?” These moments help the lessons stick.
13. Connect It to Values and Faith
Talk about how your family values honesty. If faith is part of your life, share what your beliefs say about truth-telling. Say something like, “God loves it when we are truthful,” or “In our family, we do our best to always be honest.”
14. Pray Together About Being Truthful
At the end of the day, say a short, simple prayer with your grandchild. Something like, “Dear God, help us always tell the truth, even when it’s hard. Thank You for loving us no matter what. Amen.” Prayer makes honesty feel like a shared goal, something you’re growing in together.
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