How to correct your child’s lies

It’s very frustrating when your child frequently lies. Withholds information from you. Hides his report card. Teachers remarks. Denies having Committed a mistake. An act of commission or omission.

 

What do we do when our child lies?

Normally we loose our cool and get angry and express it harshly or mildly. Punish him and make him feel bad and sorry. We expect the problem is solved, but he lies again. Does harsh correction solve the problem. No it doesn’t.

 

To better solve this problem lets understand the reason behind the lies.

A child has done something unacceptable inappropriate. He knows it’s wrong but doesn’t have the courage to face it. He tries to run away from the consequences.

Lies provide the best escape route and freedom from consequences. Lies helps him commit a mistake and get away. Lies save him from taking responsibility for his actions and an escape from the consequences. Lies is his savior from punishment

Fear of Punishment is the major reason that children lie.

By the way punishment rarely corrects this problem.

Now that we understand why children lie. Lets see how to correct a child telling lies.

Encourage your child to speak the truth.

Be patient on the occasion he is truthful

Appreciate him for being honest. Forgive him for the first few incidents.

Explain his mistakes in a way that he would easily comprehend. Don’t let him regret his honesty. Don’t pounce at him or even realize that you are angry but let him know that you are displeased with the way he conducted him self.

But at the same time let him know you appreciate his honesty and let him know about your leniency in imparting correction.

Explain the action consequences model. And undertake appropriate actions to get the desired consequences.

Be patient with him and you will see that over a period of time he will regain your trust.