honesty IS the best policy

jaden came home from school today reluctant to give me his daily report. it went something like this: "mom, if I'm honest, will I still get in big trouble?" "I don't know jaden." "mom, I don't know is not an answer--that's what you always say." "well, I can tell you you'll get into less trouble for being honest" (hoping that I can keep my word). "I got sent to the office." (1st time.) "why?" "for climbing on a pile of dirt." (me feeling a huge sigh of relief--I can deal with climbing dirt piles). here's a quick summary: jaden and two friends were on their way back to class from the bathroom and spotted a pile of dirt. wheels in heads start turning. boys succumb. one boy starts dragging other boy, best friend of jaden, through the dirt. just as jaden steps up to defend friend, they are discovered ("that's the bad part, I didn't even get to help him.") and sent to the office. here's my favorite part: "we were going to blame everything on [the dirt draggerer] but I realized that wasn't honest. and I said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to forgive me for planning that. Ms. [office lady] let me go back to class first for being honest. I got my name on the board plus a check so I didn't get my star. I told my teacher she should give me three checks and call you." she didn't. but he still gets a star in my book. there are two principles I hope my kids learn in their life (okay a lot more really but there are two I seem always to go back to):

1. Accept responsibility for your actions. along with the consequence.
   
2. If you don't like something, figure out a way to change it. Be a PROBLEM SOLVER! don't stay on an unsatisfying path.
   

intertwined through this story are other not so fabulous choices like his newly acquired skill of climbing OVER the bathroom stalls, which he perfected on aforementioned bathroom trip but hey, you choose your battles. boys will be boys. dirt hill and stall climbing I'll take when it comes with integrity any day.