Half the Truth Is Still a Lie: Building Media Wisdom at Home 🪞
#ParentingInsight #FocusFriday
TL;DR: We kicked off Month 7 with a critical thinking and media literacy focus because every image, lyric, and clip is shaping our children’s worldview. This week, we learned that not every story is the whole story. From fibbing bears to trusted cartoons bending reality, we had a great time exploring how to spot half-truths and think more clearly about what we see, hear, and share.
"Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything."
— Proverbs 14:15 (ERV)
Children are naturally trusting and that’s beautiful. But in today’s media-saturated world, they need help developing discernment. Teaching them to pause and ask, “Is this the whole story?” equips them to think more carefully.
This Week’s Highlights
We focused on this wisdom and table talk card: Not every story is the whole story.
We played TinyTap – Real or Not?: Turns out, my children are better at spotting fiction than I expected, especially when it came from friendly or familiar sources. A good sign that practice is paying off!
We also watched a vintage Arthur clip about D.W.’s newspaper - a great example of how facts can be stretched or bent without context.
Bonus conversations happened naturally during sibling conflicts too. Now when one reports on the other, the famous follow-up question is: "Is that the whole story?" (New parenting reflex unlocked.)
Storytime Stack
Tell the Truth, Tyler by Jodee McConnaughhay – When truth-telling takes courage
The Berenstain Bears and the Truth by Stan & Jan Berenstain – Classic tale of honesty (and broken lamps)
Franklin Fibs by Paulette Bourgeois – A little lie that got a little out of hand
Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin – When a lie just isn’t worth it
Honesty is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego – A gentle guide to truth for little hearts
Checklist: Helping Children Think Critically About Media
☐ Have I explained the difference between truth, opinion, and advertising?
☐ Do I talk about what we watch, not just watch it?
☐ Can my child spot when someone is twisting a story (in media or in life)?
☐ Have I modeled curiosity by asking questions like, “What do you think is missing here?”
☐ Do we make space to read or watch together so we can talk about what we’re learning?
Action Step
Pick one show, story, or clip your child has watched recently and ask:
What happened?
Do you think that was the whole story?
What might be missing or misunderstood?
That’s it. You don’t have to “teach” every time. Just talk. Curiosity is contagious, and wisdom grows one thoughtful question at a time.
Let’s raise discerning children in a distracted world. 👀