Ian James Corlett - E Is for Ethics: How to Talk to Kids About Morals, Values, and What Matters Most

E
Is for
Ethics

How to Talk to Kids
About Morals, Values, and
What Matters Most

Ian James Corlett
Illustrated by R. A. Holt

A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
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Copyright 2009 by Ian James Corlett

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First Atria Books hardcover edition December 2009

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Designed by Nancy Singer

Manufactured in China

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

ISBN 978-1-4165-9654-7

ISBN 978-1-4165-9669-1 (ebook)

For Philip and Claire
Love, Dad

10 Truthfulness

To write a book on ethics, or the science of morals as they have been called, is a pretty lofty aspiration. Surely, the writer should be serious and lettered. Definitely, he should be qualified. I most certainly am qualified: I am proud to be a POD. Now, I know what youre thinking: He meant PHD. Nope. No mistake. Im a POD.

POD stands for Plain Old Dad.

Yes, Im just a dad. Im a plain old dad with no degree, no letters, nothin. Im like the guy in the old XTC song Mayor of Simpleton who never took a paper or a learned degree.

So, now you know what I dont have. What I do have are two amazing children, running around my house begging for guidance and direction.

As a plain old dad, along with their mother, it was my responsibility to provide that to our kids.

My wife and I firmly agree with experts who contend that much of a childs personality and characteristics are formed at a very young age.

Ever since our children were very small, our family has sat down every week for a discussion period we affectionately call family fun time. We discuss ideas, parables, and issues of the week. For a few minutes every Monday night, this has been our routine.

As we shared this routine with other parents, their eyes lit up, and they said things like What a great idea! and Wow, thats perfect and Doesnt that cut into Monday Night Football ?

So, I decided to write this book.

Historically, ethics were imparted to children by authority figures. There was a time when ethics were routinely taught in schools, but for the most part, ethics are not part of any curriculum today, even religious ones. It seems that no one wants to touch the subject of right and wrong anymore. I believe that parents should and must fill this void, and I think most parents would agree, regardless of creed, political stripe, or culture.

In this book, you will find twenty-six stories, each of which demonstrates a different ethic or value. Once a week, sit down with your kids and read and talk about one. Set a day, set a time, and stick to it. It doesnt have to be formal, and remember to keep things light and fun. If you stick to your schedule, youll cover it twice in a year (I was a C+ math student).

After each story, there is a short commentary and quotes from famous individuals. This wrap-up is designed to help parents open up discussion on the subject.

I firmly believe that children need training, reinforcement, and respect for ethics. I think this book is a baby step in the right direction. I hope you agree.

Ian

E
Is for
Ethics

Honesty

I t was a rainy winter day. Elliott was walking to the video store with his mother to pick up a movie for the evening. Mom was looking for a light comedy to watch with Dad as the fireplace crackled, but Elliott had nothing but spaceships on his mind. That is, until he noticed a crisp, new five-dollar bill lying on the ground at the entrance to the shop. His mother didnt see it as she entered the video store, but Elliott locked on it like a tractor beam. Since no one was around, he picked it up and shoved it deep into his pocket.

As he drifted toward the Outer Space section, Elliott could not believe his good luck. He could hardly concentrate on selecting a movie because he was daydreaming about all the wild and wonderful ways he could spend his newfound fortune. He wandered around in such a daze that he didnt even realize that not only had he not chosen a movie, but he was now standing in the checkout line beside his mother, who was waiting to pay.

Suddenly, his daydream was shattered when the lady in front of them, who was frantically searching through her purse, gasped. I am positive I had five dollars, she said. I know because I just got a nice, crisp one in change from the last store Oh, heavens! It mustve dropped out of my bag!

Elliotts heart sank.Would he be honest and give the lady the five-dollar bill?

What would be the honest thing for Elliott to do?

As with so many ethical qualities, being honest makes you feel great inside. Sometimes its difficult to be honest with others or even yourself, but when you are, there is no better way of life. Elliott felt great when he was guided by honesty about the money.

What else could Elliott have done as soon as he found the five-dollar bill?

How would Elliott have felt later if he had decided to keep the five dollars?

Can you tell us about a situation you can remember when you or a friend displayed honesty?

Honesty is the best policy.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Honesty: The best of all the lost arts.

MARK TWAIN