Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

cared.
And think you that God takes no cognizance of the way in which these
children are corrected? He knows, and He knows also what might be the
blessed results if the work of correction were done in a way to win rather
than to repel.
The Importance of Strict Honesty With Children
Parents should be models of truthfulness, for this is the daily lesson to be
impressed upon the heart of the child. Undeviating principle should govern
parents in all the affairs of life, especially in the education and training of
their children. "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be
pure, and whether it be right."
A mother who lacks discernment, and who does not follow the guidance
of the Lord, may educate her children to be deceivers and hypocrites. The
traits of character thus cherished may become so persistent that to lie will be
as natural as to breathe. Pretense will be taken for sincerity and reality.
Parents, never prevaricate; never tell an untruth in precept or in example.
If you want your child to be truthful, be truthful yourself. Be straight and
undeviating. Even a slight prevarication should not be allowed. Because
mothers are accustomed to prevaricate and be untruthful, the child follows
her example.
It is essential that honesty be practiced in all the details of the mother's
life, and it is important in the training of children to teach the youthful girls
as well as boys never to prevaricate or to deceive in the least.
246