Nearly all children make up stories at some point or the other. Often for kids in this age-group, it is not ‘lying’, it is not being ‘dishonest’, it is just ‘pretending’—which is very much a part of their growing up and enhancing creative imagination. Many a time a child lies to cover up something which is not in his/her favour. Sometimes it could be a result of some anxiety when a child wants to avert consequences. At other times, a child may lie only to impress or get attention.
It is important that you don’t react by getting angry with the child because it may confuse the small kid. Do not label him/her as ‘liar’. Overreacting may result in bringing guilt to the child’s mind and may hurt his/her self esteem. You need to explain the futility of the lie. You may take help of the stories like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”. And you should re-enforce the importance of honesty and truth. In other words, this is the time of ‘character building exercise’ instead of rebuking your child.
It is important that you don’t react by getting angry with the child because it may confuse the small kid. Do not label him/her as ‘liar’. Overreacting may result in bringing guilt to the child’s mind and may hurt his/her self esteem. You need to explain the futility of the lie. You may take help of the stories like “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”. And you should re-enforce the importance of honesty and truth. In other words, this is the time of ‘character building exercise’ instead of rebuking your child.
At the same time, it is also important to understand that you should not be jumping to conclusions and make allegations on the basis of these stories. You should use discretion.
Finally, set example by being truthful yourself.
Finally, set example by being truthful yourself.
