Integrity – To me integrity is not being always right but being consistent. This is one of the most important character traits to demonstrate. When dealing with your kids they will quickly pick up on your inconsistencies. And, more often than not they will point them out to you as well.
They will be the one’s who most closely observe you face adversities, they will see you react when you are cut off in the traffic, they will be on the receiving end of discipline, they will see you when you are tired and frustrated and worried.
I have to ask myself as a father am I a big enough man to be able to face myself honestly to admit when I am wrong, to face my fears, to control my frustrations, to cope honestly with worry and to deal with my anger.
This is the foundation of living with integrity. It allows no room for hidden pockets of dishonesty. It requires an openness in my relationships with my kids to allow them to see who I really am not just to try and portray an image of who I would like to be. As a father I would be foolish to try and do anything but this because of my kids are wise and they can see through any pretense anyway.