Posted on Jul 25, 2016
SSG Trevor S.
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This morning I had an unexpected day off. My son did a sneak into the kitchen to grab a soda. In our house we buy a set amount of soda for the children and for us so he was trying to sneak one of our (the parents) sodas. When I said good morning, he was surprised and asked if he could have one. I told him no and reminded him of the rules. Since it was already in his hands I asked if he intended to sneak one. His answer was, "I thought you were at work."
While I admire that honest answer I cannot help but wonder what else he is doing because he thinks he won't get caught. In an age of "We'll build a wall and have Mexico pay for it" "I did not have textual relations with that server" *yes I know that isn't an actual quote, how do we keep our kids on a path of integrity when there are so many examples of the opposite leading to success?
**I hit both sides to minimize political answers and keep it on topic.
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 11
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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My message to my kids (mostly my middle son that has challenges with this) is:
Own what you do and the consequences for it.
Lie and blame others and it will go much worse for you.

I love the critters, but when they lie to my face, I see red.
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SSG Trevor S.
SSG Trevor S.
>1 y
It's the same around these parts.
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MCPO Couch Potato
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The ONLY way to do it is to talk about it at home (not formal talks, just BSing), and walking the walk.

I don't want to cast aspersions about your parenting, BUT, a kid that does that has to get the idea from somewhere. I am betting that either you or your spouse "sneak" things from time to time. No matter HOW small, a kid is nothing but a mirror, and will do whatever they see - no matter WHAT is said. If it isn't you or your spouse, I'd blame a grandparent(s), or caregiver (babysitter/daycare/whatever) for setting that example.

It works the same way as military subordinates - no matter what you say, they'll copy what they see you do. If you are smart enough to watch THEM, you'll catch your own failings and hopefully learn from the experience.
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SSG Trevor S.
SSG Trevor S.
>1 y
MCPO (Join to see) If I said our parenting skills were beyond reproach you could watch my integrity fly out the window with the pigs! It's a very valid point.
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MCPO Couch Potato
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You find out how much you swear at home when you have kids... and which words are your favorites...

Little bastar... I mean - Little angels!!
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MSG Military Police
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By example. As a child I saw my father run (limp quickly) after a guy to give him a dollar that had fallen out of his pocket. He caught up and gave him the dollar. When I caught up with him he said taking that dollar would have been the same as stealing it. Stealing is a sin and it's wrong. I don't remember much of my father as he died shortly thereafter but I've always remember that.
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SSG Trevor S.
SSG Trevor S.
>1 y
MSG (Join to see) talk about a lasting memory!
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MSG Military Police
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SSG Trevor S. - He left me with a couple more.
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