Discipline

Help your child choose to tell the truth over lying

Most parents and teachers see lying as one of the most serious behavior problems a child can have. It should not be ignored.

Children who lie a lot are prone to other unacceptable behavior. According to research, they may steal, fight and hang out with the wrong crowd. This can sidetrack their school studies.

To avoid or overcome lying:

• Urge your child to be honest with you—always. Say you appreciate her telling the truth and love her no matter what.
• Help your child feel safe about making mistakes or getting a bad grade. She may be lying to cover up mistakes and please you.
• Stress that lying is bad—not that she is bad. You want to help her learn appropriate behavior.
• Discuss the reasons for your child’s lies. Ask your child to think of what else she could do instead of lying.
• Explain the consequences of lying. Dishonesty leads to lack of trust. Ask your child what punishment she thinks she should have for lying.
• Monitor your behavior. If your child hears you lying, she’ll get the message that it’s acceptable.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2006 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2006 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: David Pruitt and AACAP, Your Child: Emotional, Behavioral, and Cognitive Development from Birth through Preadolescence, ISBN: 0-06-2737309 (HarperCollins Publishers, 1-800-242-7737, www.harpercollins.com).