The truth, the WHOLE truth, and NOTHING but the truth

Dear Alex,

 You will watch many movies and TV shows in your life in which you get to watch someone testify in court. (Testify means to tell the truth)  Whenever someone goes up on the witness stand in these movies and shows, the lawyer will always ask first, "Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?"

 I couldn't help but think of this phrase today after you complained that Jenny would not let you do your homework in your room yesterday.  

 We had told you that if you were having trouble concentrating with your sister running around and making noise that we were perfectly comfortable with you sitting at your desk in your room by yourself.

 You told us that Jenny told you "no" when you asked.  I really couldn't believe that Jenny would say that to you, so I challenged you, "You know I'm going to ask her about it" and you challenged me right back, "Go ahead, she did say 'no'!"

 When Jenny arrived this morning, I let her know that we were okay with you doing homework in your room to make sure that it was quiet enough to concentrate.  Jenny agreed, but also shared that when no one else is in the house (both Avery and David were not home) that it should be plenty quiet at the kitchen table.

 Alex, what you did was tell the truth and nothing but the truth.  You did not, however, tell the WHOLE truth.  Perhaps with this skill of yours, you could one day be a great spin doctor.  This is someone in politics who shares information with the media in a controlled a specific way - usually the truth and nothing but the truth, but perhaps not the WHOLE truth.

 I think you are a great kid (and thanks for trying broccoli today at the HealthBarn assembly)

 Love,
Mom

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