HELPING A CHILD TO STOP LYING

Children under the age of 6 often tell lies.They find it difficult to distinguish between reality and fantasy.Lying to them at this age may be seen as fun,or a way to deceive adults.When they get away without being caught,they feel very happy,and it may easily become apart of them to lie.
As they grow,this may become a problem in the child's life.
Parents needs to find out a way of putting a stop to this.

Why do Children lie?

• TO SEEK ATTENTION
• NEED HELP
• AVOIDING STRESSFUL SITUATION
• FEAR OF DISAPPOINTING THEIR PARENTS
• IMITATING ADULTS AROUND THEM

HELP FOR A LYING CHILD

When a child is always caught lying:He is fond of exaggerating,or he is always fond of distorting the truth in one way or the other.just as highlighted above,they do that for so many reasons.

.TO GAIN ATTENTION:Children sometimes lie to gain attention.When they feel unloved they tend to tell lies to gain the attention of their listeners.They have learnt over the time that when they distort the truth they get some attention;this sometimes compensate for their feelings of inadequacies.

AVOIDING STRESSFUL SITUATION:Sometimes children lie to avoid the consequences that they believe will happen when they do something wrong,or to avoid being reprimanded.They lie to get out of trouble.

TO DODGE RESPONSIBILITY:Some children lie to avoid tasks.They may lie about their homework.They tell parents it's done in order to,may be watch television,play games,or do any other pleasurable thing to them.They don't like being caught when they misbehave,so they lie as a way of escape.

Lying can make children do many other bad things,like stealing,diobedient.e.t.c.

Parents and caregivers need to carefully study their children,and find out why they lie.When this is done,the close thing is to help them get out of it.

WAY OUT!

• Don't accept excuse for lying.let them know point blank that LYING is not acceptable.
• Logical consequences need to be in place for a child caught lying.
• Be a good example and model to them,avoid little white lies.
• Teach children to value telling the truth at all time,no matter what the consequence may be.
• Show your disappointment when they lie.Also show them you love them,but you hate their habit of lying.
• Sing their praise whenever they say the truth!
• Let them know you CARE.

Parents need to be a bit patient with them at this point,knowing fully well that 'Rome was not built in a day!'.It may take a little time for them to unlearn the lying habit.Be understanding,and ready to go miles helping them.

You should avoid taking irrational decision when they lie.No need for a long sermon,but with love,patience,and understanding Correct them!