
Things You Learn in Therapy
How To Teach Truthfulness And Trust Across Childhood
Send us Fan Mail Your kid swears they didn’t take the sucker, even though you watched it happen, and suddenly you’re asking a much bigger question: how do I raise a person with integrity? We dig into integrity as a practical parenting value with my friends from CEV, defined simply as choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do, and we keep it grounded in real life rather than perfect-life slogans. We also share a powerful “long view” idea: success isn’t just getting kids through school, it’s who they become at 27, 47, and beyond. We talk honestly about honesty. Kids lie, adults bend rules, and families often send mixed messages without meaning to. Dr. Beth Trammell explains why truth telling looks different across child development, especially before abstract thinking fully kicks in, and how parents can set clear expectations without turning every moment into a debate. We connect honesty to trust and to becoming an askable, reachable adult, because kids tell the truth more when they believe they’ll be heard, not crushed. Then we zoom out to older kids and teens, where integrity becomes “who you are when no one is watching.” We cover unseen moments behind a keyboard, reputation and reliability with friends, and modern challenges like cheating and using AI for assignments. You’ll leave with simple conversation starters, a gut-check test for gray areas, and a clearer way to teach moral decision-making at every age. If this helped, subscribe for more monthly “word” conversations, share the episode with a parent friend, and leave a review so more families can find practical guidance on raising kids with integrity. This podcast is meant to be a resource for the general public, as well as fellow therapists/psychologists. It is NOT meant to replace the meaningful work of individual or family therapy. Please seek professional help in your area if you are struggling. #breakthestigma #makewordsmatter #thingsyoulearnintherapy #thingsyoulearnintherapypodcast If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, please contact 988 or seek a treatment provider in your area. If you are a therapist or psychologist and want to be a guest on the show, please complete this form to apply: Podcast Application Form Feel free to share your thoughts at www.makewordsmatterforgood.com or email me at Beth@makewordsmatterforgood.com Support the show www.bethtrammell.com

