Telling a child the truth.

[Patriсk]

Keeping some knowledge from a child until certain ages have been reached is a way in which they can be prepared for the 'harshness and unfairness' of the real world gently, and therefore responsibly. To allow them unrestricted access to any and all information whatever their age borders on recklessness.

 

[Guy]

Kids deserve the truth, even if it's just an impartial piece of the truth. A good parent will know what to say and how much of the truth to tell their kids. The way I see it, it's better a child learns the truth from their parents rather than an outside source. Not all kids will understand something enough, and in some cases, may take it the wrong way than it's original intentions. That's why I see it beneficial that a parent should tell their kids the truth, even if it's not the entire truth or the whole story.

There are some things I believe parents have good reasons to keep away from their children, but rather than lie, I think it better to explain to them that they're too young to know about it now, but maybe when they're a bit older.

As for childhood stories like the Tooth Fairy, Santa Clause and so on, that's harmless. That's what gives kids their imagination. Something to hold on to; to believe in. Having a little magic in everyone's childhood is very healthy.

 

[Melody]

I vehemently disagree. It's not reckless, nor stupid or the wrong thing to do. It really varies greatly from child to child. Smarter children ARE better off being told earlier, lest they go out and find it for themselves. Slower children, don't need to know until you're sure they've caught up...it's not because they're stupid or anything, you just want to make sure they're ready for that reality

BUT, despite that, it DOES NOT excuse a lie. A wise parent knows how to explain to the child that it's not the right time for that discussion.

 

[Guy]

I vehemently disagree. It's not reckless, nor stupid or the wrong thing to do. It really varies greatly from child to child. Smarter children ARE better off being told earlier, lest they go out and find it for themselves. Slower children, don't need to know until you're sure they've caught up...it's not because they're stupid or anything, you just want to make sure they're ready for that reality

BUT, despite that, it DOES NOT excuse a lie. A wise parent knows how to explain to the child that it's not the right time for that discussion.

I know that the level of understanding varies from child to child. That's exactly why I said not all kids will be able to understand, meaning some can. That also goes hand in hand with a good parent knowing what to say and how much to say to their child. Each child is different, each family household works differently, therefore, I don't expect it all to be handled the same way. One parent may think their child isn't mature or ready enough to know what may be going on, while other parents do. It's really a case-by-case issue if you want to look at it that way.

...and again, I agree, it's better a parent not lie to their kids. If I had my own kids, I wouldn't want to lie to them (though, I'm not saying there won't be a time that happens. I think that's inevitable for anyone). I'd much rather explain to them that they're either not ready to know what's going on, or if I think they can handle it, I'll explain to them some things that are happening (the truth) in their own terms so they can understand.

 

[Captain Fabio]

In theory, yes it would be nice to be able to tell children the truth about everything.

In practice, you can't really predict how any child will react to information. Every child is different, some need to be raised differently to others. Some can handle certain subjects at a very young age, some still can't handle it when they're much older.

This is pretty much my view on the matter.
It would be nice to tell a child everything in truth but at times, it might be better not to.​

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[twocows]

Well, I agree. Parents should always tell the truth. If they're uncomfortable or unwilling to tell the truth then they should tell them simply, "YOU ARE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO ASK THIS QUESTION OR KNOW IT'S ANSWER, AND IF YOU GO LOOKING ON YOUR OWN FOR IT YOU ARE SO DEAD!"

Either have the decency to flat out DENY AND FORBID them the answer until a later age or TELL THE TRUTH!

I don't deny the parent's right to teach their child about certain things when THEY think the child should know...but lies are stupid.

Discouraging natural curiosity sets a horrible precedent for children.

 

[Shining Raichu]

I think children are unnecessarily coddled and not told about things that they could probably handle. However to give a fresh perspective on this debate, I do think we should preserve their innocence somewhat, because children who know things like this are so obnoxious. It makes them feel more mature than they are and it gives them this annoying sense of confidence in their 'adulthood' that makes you want to slap them.

That said, when I found out Santa wasn't real, I wasn't upset by it in the slightest. I still love Christmas now as much as I ever did. Knowing that Santa wasn't real didn't change anything - the decorations were just as pretty, the presents were just as good, the family dinners were just as lively. Christmas was still incredibly enjoyable and it didn't ruin the magic of it one bit. So I think people often underestimate what children can handle.

 

[keoni]

From at least the way I was brought up, I believe that children should be held back on certain information. Such as if they're a bastard (yes, that is a term used for people without a father/parent(?) ), then I feel you deserve the right to tell them until you feel they can handle the information about said parent... But honestly.... That is the ONLY thing I feel a child should be held back from information from... If they ask where babies come from, I'll explain... Sure not maybe in graphic detail with a chart and all, but I'd give them the gist of it. If they ask about "Santa," I'd tell him that he isn't real... But for the sake of others, I would tell him/her that they shouldn't got around telling this to others... Let the magic of something like that reside in the other small children... When it comes to religion, I'd let him/her choose their own, but if they find one that they like and become a member of, then I would tell them that I will not stand to have an attempt to convert me. I'd teach them to respect others beliefs, and that no, the world isn't perfect, but you need to make the best you goddamn can.