If you are a parent, you know how it feels when you find your little one lying to you. You feel hurt and frustrated, don’t you! But do you know that lying is part and parcel of the natural development process of kids? In fact, all kids resort to lying at some point or the other, though their reasons could be different. While some find it fun to lie, some do it out of fear of getting punished.
Studies reveal that kids as young as 3 years may also choose to lie to their parents. But this is not because they are forming some bad habits. That’s instead because kids at such a young age have very strong imaginations. They like to make up and tell stories and can’t actually differentiate between reality and fantasy. As such, who would be a better person for them than the parents to share up the stories that have just popped out of their tender brains!
Yes, children of age 7 and older know what a lie is. But if you see, most of the kids who prefer to lie over being honest do it in an attempt to escape punishment. And where do you think this fear for punishment comes from? Well, that comes from the way you react to their mistakes and lies! So, what is the right way to respond when you catch your child lying? We, at Dayawati Modi Academy, recognized among the top schools in Meerut, have enlisted a few effective ways in this article below to help you deal with the situation in a positive way.
- Avoid Overreacting
Losing your calm and raising your voice over your kids is definitely not going to help. This will only instill fear in your kids, and as a result, they will never be able to gain the strength to come to you and tell the truth even for the smallest of their mistakes. It is hence very important that you deal with the situation calmly. After all, as a parent, all you wish is to make your kids understand that they shouldn’t lie whatsoever the situation is. And scolding and spanking the kids for the lies doesn’t take them any closer to understanding the same. All they would be able to remember is how you reacted!
- Set an Example
Practice what you preach! If you want your little ones to never lie to you, you will have to set an example for them. After all, you are the role models for your kids. They learn a lot by merely observing you each day. So, no matter how much you tell them that lying is bad, if they find you lying to others, their young minds will accept lying as a normal habit.
- Converse regularly with your kids
This one is really important. If you want your kids to share their thoughts with you, make sure that you are available for them. Just think about it – were you there for them when they wanted to come and speak to you about the truth? While you tell your kids it’s important not to tell lies, it is equally important to also let them know that you are available for them to pour their heart out to you. Make sure they are comfortable sharing with you their joys, griefs, confusions, and everything. Once comfort takes over the fear, your kids will become more honest with you.
- Deal with it as early as possible
One of the biggest mistakes that people do is to ignore the lies of their little ones as merely their mischiefs. However, it is very important to act when you find them lying for the very first time. Talk to them and let them know why its important to be truthful and what could be the consequences of lying.
At Dayawati Modi Academy, one of the top schools in Meerut, we believe that lying is an issue, which if becomes habitual, doesn’t take much time to grow into a menace. It is hence necessary that appropriate steps are taken to deal with it at the right time and in an apt way. Keep in mind that if you really want your kids to keep from telling lies, it is crucial you keep a note of your own reactions. Make sure you stay calm and do not overreact. When children find themselves comfortable enough to talk to you about everything, they won’t find any need to lie and will naturally get onto the path of honesty.