In February, we celebrate the birthdays of two of our country's past presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both presidents have come to be associated with honesty and trustworthiness. George Washington, our country's first president, is renowned for telling the truth when asked if he chopped down his father's cherry tree. "Honest Abe" is the nickname of our 16th president, whose humble childhood shaped him into an honorable statesman. As a nation, we place high value on honesty. People who are honest are considered reputable, ethical and trustworthy.

Honesty is identified among the 40 "developmental assets" - research-proven traits defined by Search Institute that determine a young person's ability to succeed in life. Youth who tell the truth, even when it is not easy, are more likely to grow up healthy, confident and responsible.
Assets for Colorado Youth, an organization supporting asset-building efforts in Colorado, encourages adults to consider how they model the value of honesty with young people. When adults stretch the truth or make up excuses, they may be teaching young people that lying is okay.
Says María Guajardo Lucero, Ph.D., executive director of Assets for Colorado Youth, "When it comes to learning positive values like honesty and integrity, young people take their cues from the adults in their lives. As caring adults, we need to be aware that young eyes are watching us and to show how - even in very difficult situations - telling the truth is the best policy."

The following tips are ways adults can help develop honesty in young people:

• Notice and praise a child's honesty.
  
• Give young people your trust, and allow them to regain it if they fail.
  
• Don't overreact; young people may lie if they fear an adult's negative reaction.
  
• Talk about times when it is easy or hard to tell the truth and why.

Helping to develop positive values in young people, such as honesty and trustworthiness, provides them with the tools they need to control what happens to them and direct their lives toward a positive future.
For more information on the 40 assets that help young people to thrive, contact ACY.

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