I am currently going threw a problem with my six year old boy. He never used to lie about anything now he seems to lie about everything. I have been told as long as we keep on top of it and don't let him get away with it, it is a phase that will pass. But it sure does get frustrating.



(thread moved to new thread, other one was 14 months old)

It is not unusual for children to experiment with lying at some point in their development. Children test limits in order to clarify boundaries and consequences. Actually, six years is a commmon for this kind of reality testing.

These guidelines can help you :

Teach your child the value of honesty by giving appropriate consequences.

Do not reward lying by ignoring it

Do not berate or label your child negatively

Create a safe family environment . This will allow for expression of a full range of feelings, however unpopular they may be. Children can then separate feelings from actions that are damaging.

Let your child know that we are all tempted to take short cuts at times. Then point out the damaging effects that lying can have on relationships and self-esteem.




Remember, too, that our children learn patterns of coping and behavior from those around them. Is your child modeling behavior that he sees adults do? Sometimes our children's behavior points to weaknesses in character, which we have overlooked in our own families. If your son notices that his dad or mom avoids conflict in the marriage through white lies, for example, a child may try this behavior out himself. In such cases, a husband or wife believes their behavior to be benign, such as telling a spouse you are late because of traffic, rather than that time was taken to visit a friend or run your own errand.

If lying and stealing are patterns of behavior that persist, consider what the emotional meaning of this behavior is for your child. Seek to guide your child and correct your own behavior, if necessary. After all, we are all continually growing up.

I agree that all kids go thru this at one point of time.....I say just call him on it when u catch him....let him know that he has been caught and that it is wrong.