Keeping Promises: A First Step Toward Integrity for Children

Integrity is widely considered a positive attribute in adults, but how do we nurture it in children? Webster defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and fair.” These are certainly essential character traits for success in school, work and life that can be developed in children starting at a young age by modeling.

“Children under the age of 3 may not always comprehend an abstract concept like integrity, but by modeling consistent trustful behavior, we help them build the foundation for later understanding,” says Gloria Julius, Ed.D., vice president of education and professional development at Primrose Schools.

Primrose Schools takes modeling integrity to the next level by engaging children in lessons and activities focused on keeping promises. By encouraging children to keep their promises, a pattern of behavior forms that leads to reliability and personal integrity. Dr. Julius offers the following at-home tips to help your children learn the importance of keeping their commitments:

• Set a good example. Demonstrate to your children that you keep your word. When your children ask you to do something that you may not be able to do, respond with “we’ll see” or “maybe” rather than making an empty promise. By following through on the promises you make, your children will learn to do the same.
• Set expectations and stick to them. It may be that your children must clean up their toys when they are finished playing, or that they must feed the family pet every morning. This will help them develop a sense of responsibility to fulfill their commitments. Set simple goals so that they will be successful.
• Recognize when promises are kept. Make it a point to notice and recognize when your children and those around you follow through on a promise. (“I know Grandma is so happy that we came to visit her last Sunday, just like we promised.” Or, “Look at your clean room! I’m glad I can count on you to do what you say.”) This will help your children learn the concept of keeping promises and why it is so important.

Dr. Julius also recommends finding opportunities to discuss the importance of keeping commitments with children. Many children’s books include the theme of keeping promises. Below are titles she recommends reading with your little ones to start them thinking and talking about commitment – an important first step to developing integrity.

Let’s Be Helpful by P.K. Hallinan (Ages 0-3)
Richard Scarry’s Busiest People Ever by Richard Scarry (Ages 0-3)
The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown (Ages 0-4)
How do Dinosaurs Clean their Rooms? by Jane Yolen (Ages 2+)
Tadpole’s Promise by Jeanne Willis (Ages 3+)
I Promise I’ll Find You by Heather Ward (Ages 4-8)

Primrose Schools is The Leader in Early Education and Care with high-quality, accredited preschools across the country. We serve children, parents and local communities with a purposeful, balanced approach to nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts. To learn about Primrose School of Ashburn and Primrose School of Ashburn at Broadlands, visit www.PrimroseAshburn.com or www.PrimroseBroadlands.com, or call 703-724-9050, 703-724-4200. For more parenting tips, visit our blog at www.PrimroseSchools.com/blog.