Lying

There are some behavior problems that almost every child exhibits at one time or another. Matching those behaviors to the best discipline strategies can resolve these behaviors before they become even bigger problems.

Lying

Sometimes kids tell stories to get attention, while at other times they lie to avoid getting into trouble. If lies aren’t addressed appropriately, lying can turn into a bad habit for your child.

When you catch your child in a lie, respond in a calm but direct manner and encourage your child to tell the truth.

1. Establish a Household Rule about Telling the Truth

Create a clear household rule that stresses the importance of telling the truth.

This will ensure that your children understand your expectations and values about honesty.

2. Role Model Honesty

Role model the behavior you want to see from your child--that means telling the truth all the time. Kids can’t distinguish “little white lies” from other lies.

So don’t lie about your child's age to get him the cheaper meal at a restaurant. Your child will imitate what he watches you do.

3. Talk about Telling the Truth Versus Telling a Lie

No matter how old your child is, it’s important to explain the difference between telling the truth versus telling a lie. With young children, it can be helpful to say things like, "If I said the sky were purple, would that be the truth or a lie?" Talk about the potential consequences of being dishonest.

It's equally important to talk about telling the truth versus being brutally honest. Kids need to learn that they don’t necessarily need to announce, “That’s an ugly shirt,” just because it’s honest.

Balancing honesty with compassion is a sophisticated social skill that you should start teaching early.

4. Distinguish the Reason for the Lie

There are three main reasons kids lie; fantasy, bragging, or to prevent negative consequences. When you distinguish the likely reason for the lie, it can help you develop a plan to respond to it.

Preschoolers often tell fantasy lies. If your child says, “I flew to Disney World this morning,” ask, “Is that something that’s really true? Or something you wish was true?” This can help kids understand the difference between reality and make believe.

If a child lies because he’s bragging, it may be that he has low self-esteem or wants to gain attention. He may benefit from learning new social skills and from engaging in positive activities to boost his self-esteem.

All kids lie to get out of trouble sometimes. It’s important that their lies aren’t successful. Instead, make it clear to kids that you will be double-checking the facts.

5. Give One Warning

Give kids one warning when you are fairly confident you caught them in a lie. For example, say, “I’ll give you one more chance to tell me what happened. If I catch you lying, you will receive an extra consequence.”

6. Give an Extra Consequence

Give your child an extra consequence when you catch him lying. Instead of just taking away his electronics for the day, give him extra chores to do as well.

Take away privileges or use restitution as a consequence for telling a lie.

7. Discuss Natural Consequences

Talk to your child about the natural consequences of lying. Explain that dishonesty will make it hard for you to believe him, even when he’s telling the truth.

8. Provide Positive Reinforcement for Honesty

Catch your child telling the truth and provide positive reinforcement. Praise him by saying, “I know that must have been hard to tell me that you broke that dish, but I’m so glad that you chose to be honest about it.”

9. Help Your Child Re-Establish Trust

If your child has a bad habit of lying, develop a plan to help him re-establish trust. Consider establishing a behavior contract that will help you know when he’s ready for more privileges based on his willingness to be honest.

10. Seek Professional Help

There are times when lying can be a big problem for children. If your child’s lying seems to be pathological, or it causes problems for your child at school or with peers, seek professional help to address his lying.

You will also like to see:

1.  Disrespectful Behavior

2.   Whining

3.   Confident social behavior (DO or Don`ts)

4.    Defiance And Non Compliance

5.    Child Developement

6.    Baby Psychology Tips