Parents make many promises—some consciously, some offhandedly. 'We'll go to the park.' 'I'll read you another story.' 'Things will get better.' Each one carries weight in a child's world. When parents promise carelessly and fail to follow through, the child's trust in language slowly erodes. Confucius' disciple counsels a prior step: before promising, ask whether this is right and whether it can be done. Fewer, more carefully considered promises create a home where words are solid. When circumstances change and a promise must be broken, honest explanation preserves the relationship: 'I said we'd go, and I can't today. I'm sorry. Here is when we will.'