Instead of trying to find the one and only Truth, encourage kids to think about multiple perspectives. Often kids see the world in black and white.
 
“If my mom makes me finish my vegetables before getting up from the table, but my sister can get up whenever she wants, it’s because she likes my little sister better.”
 
“If Joshua and I were both pushing on the playground, but Ms. Jackson only sent me to the principal’s office, it’s because I’m bad and Joshua is good.”
 
“If everyone gets quiet right as I walk up, it’s because they were talking about me.”
 
But in reality, there’s often more to the story. Mom might not make your sister eat vegetables because she is younger and eats less food.
 
Ms. Jackson might not have seen Joshua pushing, or she might have disciplined Joshua in a different way.
 
Your friends might have just so happened to get quiet right as you walked up, or maybe they’re planning a surprise!
 
The truth is – there’s often not just one truth. Usually there’s a lot more going on. Encourage kids to seek understanding rather than truth. Try asking questions like:
 
“It sounds like you think mom likes your sister better. Could there be another reason that she doesn’t have to eat all of her vegetables? Should we ask mom?”
 
“I understand why you’re frustrated with Ms. Jackson. I would be frustrated too. Does it bother you enough that we should look into it? Would you like to talk with Ms. Jackson and see what she has to say?”
 
“I’m surprised your friends would be talking about you. Do you think it’s possible it was something else?”
 
Simple perspective taking can pull a kid from the black and white view of the world, and can open a child’s eyes to a different way of viewing situations. Give it a shot!