TRUTH OR WHITE LIE

(1)
Do you believe that a child who is 6 1/2 years old should be told the truth, regardless of what it is?


(2)
Here is the situation: Dad is in jail for one year. Please understand, my husband didn't steal anything, nor did he commit a violent crime. However, he was found guilty of drunk driving - it was his third offense. If you think our son should be told the truth, how do you feel about my taking him to visit his father in jail? Or do you think it would be better to tell him that Daddy is away "on business" and he may be gone for quite a long time?


(3)
I can't describe the humiliation our family has endured. It was reported in the newspaper, but this is a large city and not everyone is aware of it.




What Does It Mean?
(1) white lie?
(2) violent crime
(3) Daddy is away on business


What Do You Think?
(1) Do you think her son should be told the truth or should she make some excuse?
(2) How would you handle the situation if your husband or your wife were found guilty of drunk driving and sent to jail?


Opinion Samples
(1) I think she should tell her son that Daddy did something wrong and is being locked up for a while, and tell him now., before someone else does. I also believe that she should take the boy to visit - for his sake as well as his father's - and say, "Daddy will be back soon and we will be a family again." These are troubled times for her family. But it is not the end of the world. And this too shall pass.
(2) What good would be accomplished about her son's knowing about daddy's criminal record? The truth is important, I know. But truth doesn't mean everything. In this case lying is better than telling the truth. But truth doesn't mean everything. If the were told the truth he would show a total disregard for his father. But if she lies about it the child will grow up and eventually understand the situation and mom's goodwill.