Integrity means sound morality. It is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad and conforming to the standards of behavior based on these principles. There is only one way to inculcate integrity in our children and that is by setting good examples for them to follow. Parents should be good role models in their behavior because children like to imitate their parents in their sayings and their deeds.

As a Mom, I know that all my actions are under the scrutiny of my children and sharp ears register every word that I say. "You said so yourself, Mom", "but you were telling father that Mrs. J is ", "Yes, you were, Mom. I saw you " are some of the quick and righteous retorts that I receive when I try to bamboozle my kids.

Telling your neighbor that you are out of eggs when there are about two dozen in the refrigerator is wrong. You can never rationalize such lies to a young child and he'll always doubt your word. If we are genuinely unable to help somebody, it is better to explain it to your child in a way that he can understand.

How can we expect our children to learn road etiquette when we let loose a torrent of colorful language and heap abuse on a fellow driver? How can we expect our children to show courtesy when we deliberately overtake an old lady in a busy checkout aisle and brag about it on dinner table?

There should never be any discrepancy between words and actions on the part of the parents. Children see that as a sign of accepting falsehood and deceit. Promises once made must always be kept, no matter how trivial or minor. If you are unable to keep your word, never shrug it off as unimportant. It always leaves a bad imprint in a young mind.

Money and possessions are the two areas where children err most. They must be explained at a very young age that we should never take anything belonging to another person without asking his permission or pick a thing from the market without paying for it first.

As parents, we must reinforce positive behavior in our children by praising them for their good conduct. Love, hugs and lots of praise go a long way in helping raise morally sound kids. Harsh criticism without provocation and being immune to their juvenile needs make the children withdrawn and secretive. Such children are more prone to steal, lie and act aggressively on the sly.

Parents should aim to teach integrity to children from a young age. Any sign of delinquency should be dealt with firmly at a tender age because it becomes increasingly difficult to correct a child when he has grown up.

Communication is an essential tool in making children aware of good morals. Parents should discuss the values of good deeds and their effects on the individuals and society. Parents should involve children in acts of kindness, charity and compassion towards people and animals. If children learn to participate and get actively involved in such social activities, they adopt such attitude forever.

Teaching the child the religious principles and explaining to him the rewards for good behavior go a long way in infusing good ethics in him.

Teaching children integrity holds a mirror in front of your character. Your actions, words and lies will come back to haunt you if you have been anything less than honest. You cannot teach your child honesty if you are caught with your hand in someone's cookie jar. You cannot sow seeds of integrity in your children if you are not honorable in your own dealings with others.

Learn more about this author, Gulrukh Tausif.
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