Lies are never appreciated coming from anyone. If a kid lies or makes up a story, it might seem funny for that moment but it can have other implications for them in the future. If a child learns that their made up, unrealistic stories are garnering attention and entertaining they might tend to use lies more often and develop it in their behavior. It becomes crucial for a parent to teach the importance of honesty and discipline to their child.
A child and adolescent psychologist Ashley Harlow, Ph.D explained Fatherly, the concept of lies in accordance with a child. According to Harlow, until the age 3, there remains a distinguished line between the truths and the lies. The development of the ability to differentiate between what is real and what is not happens only after the age of 4 to 5. With this in mind, Harlow recommends some ways that will help you as a parent to teach your child the importance of telling the truth more frequently.
Difference between creative thinking and lies
There are times when your child will want to create an imaginative world for themselves. This world is their own imaginative arena that they live in. Parents should understand that these things are normal for a child of a young age. Creating an imaginative space can not always be considered a lie told by the child. The creation of their world might also be a result of the child’s creative thinking. In these cases the most crucial part is for the parent to make their children learn about the difference between when they can use their creative world and when they have to stay in a structured mindspace away from the fun and entertainment.
Is impulse the cause?
Many times when the child tells a lie, the reason could be nothing. This means that the child might just be saying the first thing that pops in their head. Here the parent should jump in. If you know that your child is lying, do not ask follow up questions and bury them under a pile of lies. Rather give them a little pause, so that they get some time to think about what happened. After that, ask them the same question again, giving them a chance to rectify and come clean. If they say the truth, reward them and move forward. If they lie again, stop them right there and impose consequences. This will make them learn the importance of honesty and what lying could cost them.
Does honesty need a reward?
According to Harlow, parents lack behind in appreciating a child's honesty. Letting the child know that they have been appreciated to tell the truth even if the truth might harm them is an important measure to make sure that they learn that honesty is always appreciated everywhere.
