Amount Quote by Lyman Abbott
“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
Source Essay: The Importance of Truthfulness in Parenting, published in The Outlook, 1915
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.
