Discussion Questions:

• What do you think counts as cheating in school, and what doesn't?

• Cheating is considered the same as lying. Do you understand why? If you were judging a tennis game and called a shot "in" when it was really "out," is that similar to cheating?

• Do you know what the school's rules are about cheating? Do you know what happens if someone gets caught?

• Do you understand the difference between collecting research on the Internet and copying something from a Web site?

• What do you think I would be more proud of: a C on an assignment where you did your best, or an A on a test that you cheated on? Why?

• Are you feeling pressure to do better than you feel you're able to in certain classes? Where is that pressure coming from?

• Is there anything that you've seen me do that you think is "cheating"? Why?

• Was there a part of you that was telling you not to cheat? What stopped you from listening to that part of yourself?

• The next time you're in a similar situation, what can you do differently?

• How can I help you find more time to study or complete assignments? Do you think we should cut down on some of your extra-curricular activities so your schedule is more manageable?

Remember:
--Be sure to approach the discussion as an "exploration" of cheating issues, rather than an accusation or fact-finding mission.

--Practice what you preach. If you realize that there's something you've done recently that counts as "cheating," own up to it. Ask your child to remind you of this if, in the future, they see you doing something similar.