`Satyameva Jayate` is our national motto, yet it is not a very common sight to see honesty and truthfulness in thought and action around us. That is why, the attempt to inculcate it in our children has to be more deliberate and an ongoing process. Honesty is not yet so old-fashioned in the modern world that it can be regarded as an unnecessary fuss. In fact, with time people realize that it is important to be and remain honest if one wants life and living to be a rewarding experience. Can honesty be taught` That remains to be a question, but surely, honesty can be modeled and encouraged. As parents, we can teach our children a valuable lesson on what honesty in day to day living is, and also, why it is important in life. 1. Let children express freely. Honesty begins with the fearless expression of facts. Let your children never be afraid to tell what is and what actually happened. 2. Honesty is its own reward. We cannot give a reward to reinforce this desirable`behavior` Rather we must regard, that being able to speak the truth and remaining honest are what defines a virtuous individual. They are a reward in themselves. Anything else given in return of honesty actually belittles it. 3. Watch your actions. Children lose the faith in honesty as they grow up due to what they imbibe from the environment as well. You may be speaking the truth, but remember, even in our actions, there are plenty of ways in which we compromise with honesty. Look at simple acts of red-light violation on the road, non-payment of bill when undercharged, returning a used product, all such instances present us with a real life test of honesty. 4. Don`t make a fuss over mistakes. The most common mistake of parents is to expect truthful acknowledgment of mistakes and then, attacking the very thing! If you want to nurture honesty, you must have a large appetite for unbearable facts, simply because they are true. Anything less from your side will seal the fate of this endeavour. 5. Don`t penalize excessively. Mostly when they are compelled to be dishonest, children actually merely want to escape your disciplinary measures. Being overly harsh and unyielding will cause your child to harden from within and then either they would resort to modifying and manipulating facts or turn into cynical adults. Being honest is a blissful experience. It leaves us light and simple like a child. To be honest is a difficult way of living, where you must forgo many a temptation to take the easy way out, but it merits all the effort. Gift your child the virtue of honesty by inculcating the value in him and may he have the courage to practice it at all times!