The Importance of Teaching Your Child to Keep Promises

Do you remember the first promise you made? For many, it was a time when they were young, and they would make a "pinkie promise" with their friend. First, they'd say something they'd do, link pinkies, and agree to keep their word for as long as possible.

Promises are important because they are the foundation of any relationship. Teaching your little ones the concept of a promise helps teach them the importance of promises. Here are some reasons why it's essential to stick to our word:

1. It builds trust.

Keeping a promise creates trust between two people.

For example, a parent promises their child they can have dessert after finishing all their vegetables. If the child agrees and follows through with their promise, they'll learn the value of keeping your word and sticking to it. They'll also learn to trust their parents when they keep their word. This sense of trust creates a more substantial relationship that will eventually carry out through the years as your child grows.

2. It creates respect.

Keeping a promise is not only necessary to create trust, but it also creates respect. Children who perform well on their part of the promise expect reassurance or reward for their excellent behavior. If the parent doesn't follow through with their part, this creates dissonance within the child's mind.

"If mommy won't keep her promise, why should I keep mine?"

In a worst-case scenario, children who do not trust their parents to follow through with their word often lose the respect of their little ones as they grow older. This instance can lead to rocky relationships, which can be challenging to mend.

3. It shows integrity.

Integrity is the value of being morally upright. It means doing the right thing without expecting praise and recognition.

While children expect praise and recognition, they'll learn that their actions don't always yield instant results over time. Nevertheless, teaching children to keep their word at an early age gives them an early start on the concept of integrity. When a child understands the impact of their words and actions, they become more mindful, empathetic, compassionate, and honorable as they grow older.

In my book, "Molly the Trolley and Bud," Molly was worried that Bud wouldn't keep her promise. Bud had to leave his town and move to the city as he grew older. However, before he left, he told Molly he would return for her. Months and years passed, and Molly, who wasn't sure if Bud would return, felt scared and abandoned.

In a way, breaking your promise can also hurt someone's heart.

Fortunately, Bud came back, and when he did, Molly was overjoyed. This instance happens when a friend keeps their word and follows through with it to the end. Ever since his return, their friendship then becomes stronger than ever.

Bottomline: Keeping a promise requires action and a strong will. When you teach your little ones the value of keeping their word, they become honorable adults in the future.

However, most children respond better to adults who also maintain their word. Hence, as a rule, remember also to keep your word and follow through with actions. That way, your child will also respect and follow your good behavior.