Is it Time You Shortened Those Tall Tales?
If you’ve been noticing of late that your toddler is telling fibs, you should realize that many young children don’t really know the differences between what is real and what is a figment of his imagination at this stage. When kids of the same age play together, it can be even more difficult to tell who the culprit is with both children disowning responsibility.
There are things you can do as parents to teach your children honesty. By your own example of not telling lies, you can encourage honesty and practice it yourself. Children learn by example and if a child is consistently not lied to, and doesn’t see his parents lie, he won’t be likely to lie to others as his social skills are honed.
Sometimes moms and dads encourage lies when they put their children on the spot. Often kids who fear the consequences of their recent actions lie to save themselves. They will go as far as to blame inanimate objects just so they can avoid repercussions. If you accuse them in front of others, whether it’s adults or other children, they are even more likely to lie.
If you suspect your child is lying about an important incident and there are people around, be calm and lead him to another room where you can be private. Speak in a soft voice and ask if he was at fault. You are more likely to get the truth when you don’t make a huge commotion, and ask your questions in a calm manner.
Not all kids who lie will grow up and become a menace to society. If you lead your life in an open and honest way and surround yourself with positive people who do the same, you are not likely to raise a liar. Remember, kids go through lots of different phases and lying like the unpleasant biting phase will soon pass.
Filed under: Discipline
