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The Truth and Repair Record

Correct the account and address the actual harm.

10–15 minutes with an adultFree · Two-page fillable PDF

Companion to How to Teach Children Honesty When the Truth Is Uncomfortable.

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See a worked example

Example: a child said a borrowed book was returned. The book is still in the bag. The corrected account names that fact, the book is returned, and the owner is told that the earlier message was untrue. The adult checks both actions.

01Separate the facts

Avoid treating uncertainty or misunderstanding as established deceit.

Facts we actually know

Details still uncertain

Account originally given

Specific mismatch to address

02Correct the account

Use plain language rather than an excuse or a public performance.

Truthful corrected account

Who needs the correction

Words I will use

Adult error that also needs correcting

03Repair both problems

Address the original action and any additional harm from concealment.

Repair for the original action

Repair for additional harm

Help needed to carry it out

When both actions will be done

04Practice the next truth

Give uncertainty an honest phrase and review the completed actions.

Phrase for what I do not know

Fact I should check before claiming

Repair actually completed

Next review or check-in