"Using life experiences to inspire, encourage and educate others is why I write. I believe sharing our stories helps us to realize we're not alone; that others have struggled, hurt, failed and got back up and found their way. I hope my stories make you think, laugh and feel grateful. - Deana LandersFeatured Short Story
Are We Teaching Our Children to Lie?
One day after school, our youngest son seemed fidgety. I could tell something was wrong, but when I asked him, he said it was nothing. Finally, after staring at the TV for an hour or so, he meekly said, “Mom, I have to tell you something.” His face was tense, and his eyes were sad.
I put everything aside and gave him my full attention while he stuttered out his words. “The teacher sent you a note home,” he said. I asked to see the note. The teacher had written that he had not turned in his homework, but the note was dated a week earlier.
I asked him why he had not given me the note when he first received it, and he said he knew he would get in trouble. Then, after talking about his homework and the importance of trusting us with bad news, I asked him why he had decided to give me the note since the teacher had not followed up. His words were profound to me, and I have never forgotten them.
“I knew I was lying to you, Mom,” he said, “and I knew that would damage me.” I asked him what he meant by “damage?” He explained that he knew that lying to us would damage our relationship, and he did n...
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