Day 7: Thankful for the Honesty of Children
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Originally published on November 7, 2019. Updated on November 7, 2022.
Thanks for joining us on Day 7 of the 30 Thankful Days Challenge. Today we’ll give some thought to honesty. If you haven’t downloaded the free companion journal, click below.
Do you have children? Even if you don’t, you’ve got to appreciate the frankness of what comes out of a child’s mouth.
On Day 7 of the “30 Thankful Days” Challenge, we’re being grateful for the honesty of children.
The Honesty of Children
Why are children honest, while adults tend to be less so?
One main reason is that an adult’s mind is typically filled with messages dictating what they should and should not say.
For example, if you asked an adult friend what he or she thought of the outfit you were wearing today, the friend might flashback to memories of their mom saying it isn’t right to hurt someone’s feelings.
So your grown friend might tell you that you look great when really, not so much.
A child is much more likely to just tell it like it is. And we’re much less likely to be offended if we hear the truth coming from a child’s mouth. Because we know kids aren’t trying to be hurtful. They’re just real.
This type of honesty is refreshing. Why wouldn’t we want to know the real opinion of someone who counts with us?
Honesty Without Guile
Another way that kids are honest is they have a way of getting down to the heart of the issue.
Adults, on the other hand, tend to convolute the facts.
Why is this?
Adults often have an agenda behind what they’re saying. Kids typically don’t.
Another reason… adults take great pains to protect their egos, which can result in some odd communications.
If a kid wants a hug, he’ll ask for one. Or, he’ll just HUG you.
It doesn’t work that way with adults — for various reasons, such as fear or discomfort.
We could all stand to be more honest in the way that kids are!
Day 7 JOURNAL EXERCISE: Embracing Child-Like Honesty
Today, we’ll practice being honest and authentic in the way that kids are.
How can we, as grown adults, manage to convey ourselves honestly, report the honest truth about what we see and think, without coming across as rude or immature?
We can practice being more like children.
Children don’t hold onto wrongs. They say what they mean and move on quickly. Perhaps we can learn how to increase our happiness by modeling our behavior after our children’s.
Children are not generally out to hurt each other. We can be like kids in that if we accidentally offend someone with our truthfulness, we can apologize. “I didn’t mean to hurt you” goes a long way in expressing our truth.
Children are open to other people’s ideas. They listen with their ears, minds, and hearts open and receptive to new concepts. Their minds are not yet wired for judgment!
Opening our minds to what others have to say might help us become more authentic in who we are and what we believe.
If you have children or grandchildren, try to remember and write down five instances where a child you know made an impression on you with his or her honesty. It could be something funny, something profound, or whatever.
Write it down and give it some thought today.
Free Journal
This is the free Workbook that goes along with the posts that you can download. It’s a perfect time to look at all the things we should be grateful for. Click below for the free accompanying journal.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
17 Comments
Stacie
This is my favorite post in the series so far. The honesty of children is something that cannot be duplicated. They never want to be unkind, but they will always tell you the unvarnished truth. That’s a rare thing.
Dominique
Thank you so much! Kids tell it like it is — we lose that ability as we get older! It’s unfortunate!
Matt Taylor
This is so true! Children are the best. I remember one time I was at my friend’s house and I was helping a 3-year-old tie her shoe. She touched the top of my head and said “You have no hair, Matt” Here mom got embarrassed and said, “No, don’t say that!” lol I just laughed and thought it was super funny. A bald joke coming from a 3-year old, telling it like it is. haha
Dominique
That’s funny. I can relate to parents trying to cover up for their kids! I am sure the mother was relieved that you thought it was funny! The kid was like “What did I say?” Great story.
Desiree
I love this reminder to be thankful for (and learn from) the innocence of children. And thanks for this series! It’s such a good idea:).
Dominique
Thank you — I am glad you are enjoying it!
Myrah Duque
What a great series! I will be downloading the free companion journal, this is so very cool, thanks. Child honesty is indeed a beautiful trait.
Kelly Martin
I love the honesty of children. It’s so refreshing and real with no filter!
Heather
I’m thankful for the honesty of my children… except when they hurt someone’s feelings because of that honesty. Then I just want to hide.
Dominique
I have been there before! Generally, it works out well though.
emily zielinski
This is such a great idea to do a blog series. Very inspirational 🙂
katrina Kroeplin
children will def always be honest. i love this post. i always want my kids to be open with me on how they feel.
Ave
There are so many things we can learn from kids and honesty is one of the most important ones I think. Can’t wait to read your next posts and to see what you are thankful for.
Rosey
The beauty of youth is that they do say what they are thinking so many times. It’s refreshing…and sometimes embarrassing. With four kids and a nephew who was always with us when they were young ,I can def. relate to the good and not-so-lovely of them being so candid when they were little. 🙂
Lyanna Soria
Great post and plenty of things that we can learn from here and from our surroundings. Children’s honesty is something that I’ve always liked, that innocent glow around them.
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