Most adults spend a lot of time and energy stressing the importance of honesty. Kids learn stories in school about famous figures who “cannot tell a lie.” Whole TV shows and movies center on what happens when a character lies. We talk about “fibs” and “white lies” at home. But being honest isn’t always a simple thing. When telling the truth can hurt someone’s feelings, what should you do? Is not sharing harmful information the same as a lie? The Family Dinner Project recommends talking about honesty and trust with your family, to help shed light on some of the deeper dilemmas that come with learning to behave honestly.

Try these conversation starters at your next family dinner: