I tend to give my little ones the PG version of events from my past. I want them to know me, my weaknesses and my strengths. Right now they are the age when they think I am able to do anything.
I know as they get older they are going to have questions deep inside about me, hopefully I have fostered a relationship with them that will allow the free flow of information, so that they feel that they can ask me any question. I don’t feel that lying to children is ever right.
If I don’t want them to know the answer then I tell them that I will explain it when they are a little older. I believe explicitly in being honest to my children, if they feel I am deceiving them then I can’t blame them for distrusting me later in life.
I think saying the truth in love is a concept that applies here. My life has been rated pg-13, since I was protected by my parents growing up. So, much of it can be shared in an unedited format to the children.
I think it is most important to show them who you are now, the good, bad, and the indifferent. So they can try to be better than you. They see everything we try to hide anyway. You can SAY whatever you want, they will know the truth by watching your actions.