Never lie to a child about doctors or medicine or anything…
“Never lie to a child about doctors or medicine or anything else; but if you feel, as some people seem to feel, that life without lying is an impossibility, at least don't lie about the amount of pain likely to result from a surgical procedure, or about the taste of some medicine. If you know that something to be done will hurt, say so; if a mixture to be swallowed is unpleasant, say so. If you deceive a child once in such matters, do not imagine that it will trust you again. You do not deserve trust, and you will not get it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that honesty with children, especially about pain and discomfort, is essential for maintaining trust; lying erodes credibility.
In simple terms: Honesty builds trust with children.
Key Takeaway
Always be truthful about pain and unpleasantness.
Themes
trust
honesty
parenting
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical explanations
- parent‑child conversations
- education
- healthcare
Key Concepts
ethical communication
child development
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it appropriate to soften truth for a child?
- How can you balance honesty with protecting a child's emotional wellbeing?
A Different Perspective
Complete honesty may be hard in some medical contexts.