Teaching Kids the Value of Integrity

Is your word truly your bond? We often hear or say phrases like, "I swear on a stack of Bibles that I mean it." But if our word is enough, why do we need to resort to oaths to prove our honesty or trustworthiness? Ideally, our simple “yes” or “no” should be entirely binding.

The core issue here is integrity.

Integrity involves adhering to ethical principles, maintaining strong moral character, and practicing honesty. It means doing what is right and following the rules you’ve set for yourself, even when no one is watching. With integrity, you become someone who can be relied upon based on your word alone - your word really is your bond.

Teaching integrity to children is crucial because it instills core values that guide their moral development. This foundation will help guide their decisions, actions, and relationships. Instilling integrity in children helps them learn to:

• Be Dependable
  • Understand Reliability: Nothing’s better than a friend you can count on! Integrity means being someone others can depend on - when you commit to being there or offer help, you follow through. This reliability builds trust and strengthens relationships.
    
    
• Maintain Inner Peace
  • Stay True to Values: It’s awesome to see people who are committed to their values, regardless of what the world thinks. Knowing who you are and sticking to your principles leads to inner satisfaction and contentment. You act according to your beliefs, not for attention or praise, and this alignment brings an incredible sense of peace.
    
    
• Build a Good Reputation
  • Develop Honesty and Ethics: It’s refreshing when people do what’s legal and right, and uphold the values that matter to them and those around them. By consistently being reliable and honest, you earn the trust and respect of those around you. Your reputation reflects your commitment to integrity and builds a foundation of respect.
    

• Become Effective Leaders
  • Foster Leadership Qualities: We all want leaders who are honest about who they are, what they believe, and what their plans are. When people trust you to be honest and reliable, they are more inclined to follow and respect you. Your actions set a positive example and can inspire others to act with integrity in their own lives.
    
    
• Gain Confidence
  • Cultivate Self-Confidence: Those whose actions align with their values always shine the brightest. Knowing how you'll respond in various situations and sticking to your commitments - whether personal goals or work deadlines - boosts self-confidence and self-respect.

Integrity is a foundation of a trustworthy and fulfilling life. It ensures that your word is enough, and you don’t need extra assurances to prove your honesty. By practicing integrity ourselves and teaching it to our children, we foster reliable relationships, maintain inner peace, build a positive reputation, lead effectively, and gain confidence.

I've included resources and activities below to help teach kids about integrity.

But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned. James 5:12 NLT

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them. Proverbs 11:3 ESV

The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. Bob Marley

Be true to your work, your word, and your friend. Henry David Thoreau

Resources for teaching kids integrity:

15 Activities to Help Kids Develop Integrity by Mental Health Center Kids

Teaching Integrity and Character to Children by Bright Horizons

Additional resources on integrity:

10 Reasons Why Integrity is Important in Life by Minimalism Made Simple

Why Is Integrity Important? (36 Reasons) by UpJourney

The Integral Role of Integrity by Psychology Today