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The best insurance against children acting in immoral ways is building a 
strong bond. But, even in the best parent-child relationships, young people 
can be led astray. This handout offers parents guides on what they can 
and cannot do to help children develop moral principles.

Alcohol and Drug Problems. Consult alcohol and drug treatment services 
when you first become concerned that this may be a problem. They have 
information on the warning signs of substance abuse and how and when to 
implement drug screens.

Dishonesty. Children lie to avoid punishments, rules, disappointing 
parents, admitting mistakes, or to look good and get attention. 
Understanding the pressures that make dishonesty a common problem can 
help parents take it less personally and help children understand why they 
lie. If you find that you continue to be upset by lying, examine yourself—
What does it mean about me if my child lies or “betrays” me? If you have 
thoughts such as, “I’m stupid or a fool,” you may have unresolved issues. It 
is important to realize that you are still perceptive even when children are 
deceptive. Then you can calmly execute several courses of action:

• Focus on misbehavior rather than the issue of lying. Confront 
  children with the facts of what they did. Asking questions to which you 
  know the answers may encourage lying.

• Concentrate on the rule that was broken when it is not possible to 
  uncover what happened. Find out if children understand the reason 
  for the rule and feedback their feelings about it—”It looks like 
  someone was in my closet. I know you get bored and like to explore 
  forbidden territory. Do you know how I feel when people go through 
  my things?”

• Help children understand why they lie—”I wonder if it’s hard to admit . 
  . . because. . . .”

• Assign essays or discuss the good and bad points of admitting 
  mistakes.

• Use rewards when children are truthful even if consequences are 
  needed for wrongdoing.

• Express the belief that your child will eventually grow out of lying.

Sexual Misconduct. When young children are involved in sex play, they 
should be told it is natural to have such interests but that it is not allowed 
because private parts are special. Restrict unsupervised play. Return 
privileges gradually and monitor play intermittently until it appears that the 
preoccupation is broken. If you suspect abuse, consult authorities on how 
to approach the child. Encourage casual discussions of older children’s 
beliefs about sexual behavior and birth control. Refrain from stating your 
own views until you understand your children’s or you will never hear theirs. 
Have consequences for broken curfews and dishonesty regarding 
whereabouts rather than attempt to control what teens are actually doing. If 
children are blatantly promiscuous, they may have a sexual compulsion and 
need therapy.

Smoking. Require children to write an essay and do research on the costs 
and hazards of smoking. This report can be rewritten as needed. If you are 
engaged in many power struggles with children, trying to prevent smoking 
can actually increase it. Parents who can accept smoking can use 
cigarettes as reinforcement for desired behavior. However, do not buy 
children cigarettes.

Stealing. Place children on “probation” in which “found” or “borrowed” 
items cannot be kept. They must go for one to two months with no evidence 
of stealing to get off probation. Require them to interview police officers or 
inmates. Never allow a child to avoid legal consequences.