Trying to teach my kids about integrity when I'm struggling myself | DadHQ

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Trying to teach my kids about integrity when I'm struggling myself

5d ago·1 min read

Been reading through Proverbs with my 8 year old before bed and we hit the verses about honesty. Thing is, I just told my boss I was sick to leave early when really I just wanted to watch the game. My son asked me if I was being honest like the Bible says and man, that hit different. How do you guys handle this? I want to lead by example but I feel like such a hypocrite sometimes. Really wrestling with this.

6 comments201 views

Comments(6)

MMichaelRegular5d ago

I think you're doing something really important here even if it feels hard. Just showing up and working through it with them sets the tone.

JJason T.Regular4d ago

This is such a real struggle. I read through those same verses with my 8 year old and then later that day I caught myself being dishonest about something stupid to avoid a conversation. Made me feel like a hypocrite.

FFrank M.New Dad4d ago

Man, this hits different. My son called me out last week for making an excuse about why I was late picking him up, and I couldn't even defend myself because we'd literally just talked about Proverbs 12:22. Had to own up to it.

MMikeRegular4d ago

The best teaching moment is when they catch you in your own hypocrisy. Sounds like it stung but it's also a chance to show them that growing in integrity is a lifelong thing, even for dads.

BBrett M.New Dad4d ago

The good news is your kid will probably remember you trying even more than if you were perfect. Honesty about your own struggles is actually a powerful teaching tool.

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MMichaelRegular3d ago

I try to be real with my kids about my own struggles instead of pretending I have it all figured out. When I mess up, I apologize and explain what I should have done. They respect that way more than fake perfection.