How to Prevent Children from Lying

Preventing children from lying is an important aspect for parents. From a very young age, children begin with little white lies such as blaming things on a sibling or imaginary friend. As parents we need to nip children lying before it starts or at least before it blooms into a full-blown problem.

The first step in preventing our children from lying is to make them understand that the consequences for lying will be far worse than the punishment they will receive by telling the truth. When a child lies, it is generally because they do not want to get into trouble for something they have done. It is important for they top understand the differences in the punishments.

For example, you son was throwing a ball in the house and broke the vase. When asked about it he says he does not know how it happen, he just knows he did not do it. Offer him a chance to tell the truth by letting him know what the punishment will be for telling the truth and what additional punishment will be added for lying. If he does not tell the truth be clear that punishment A is for breaking the vase and punishment B is for lying. This will help them understand what each punishment is for.

As parents, we get angry and upset when our children lie and this is a completely normal emotion, especially when it happens on a regular basis. When a child lies, there may be an underlying problem or issue that needs to be addressed with the child.

Often children who do not feel that they have control over decisions in there life they will lie to their parents to gain control of a situation. By giving the child control over minor situations may prevent this type of lying. For example, when you pack your child's lunch, do you ask them what they want or just pack them what you feel they should be eating? By letting your child have a choice in what they are eating gives them some control. Now I am not saying let them pack five HoHo's and Twinkies, but give them a few options to choose from.

Children also learn from what they see and hear. It is easy for parents to explain lying politicians and other things they see on television, but what happens if your child hears you tell a lie. No matter how small and frivolous it may be, children do not understand why it is ok for you and not for them. Parents need to lead by example, not do as I say not as I do.