The child who exagerates, tells lies or distorts the truth does so for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they feel that they are not liked (for reasons often unknown) and will tell lies to make the listener like him/her more. They have learned that some forms of distoring the truth get them some attention; this sometimes compensates for their feelings of inadequacies. Sometimes the child will lie to avoid being reprimanded or to avoid consequences that they believe will happen with a truth. Some children lie to get others into trouble, these children are often in trouble themselves. Children often lie to avoid tasks, a child will say that their homework is done in order to do something more pleasurable. Children don't like to get caught when misbehaving and will often lie or stretch the truth.
We must remember though, chronic or habitual liars rarely feel good about themselves. Look for patterns in the child's lying, does the lying only occur at specific times or in specific situations? Try and determine what the child's needs are that makes him/her want to lie.
Interventions
- Always model 'telling the truth', avoid 'little white lies.
- Teach your child through role playing, the value of telling the truth. This will take time and some patience.
- Role play the potential devestating consequences of lying.
- Do not accept excuses for lying, lying is not acceptable.
- Children should understand the hurtful consequences of lying and whenever possible, they should apologize for lying.
- Logical consequences need to be in place for the child who lies.
- No matter what, children need to know that lying is never acceptable and will not be tolerated.
- Children often lie to keep their parents or teacher happy, they need to know that you value the truth much more than a small act of misbehavior.
- Children need to be part of the solution and or consequences. Ask them what they are prepared to give or do as a result of the lie.
- Remind the child that you're upset with what he/she did. Reinforce that it's not the child but what he/she did that upset you and let him/her know that you are disappointed. You know the saying - bring them up before you bring them down. For instance: "It is so unlike you to lie about your homework, you're so good at getting things done and staying on top of things."
- Praise the truth! Catch them telling the truth at a time when you know they would like to sugar coat a situation.
- Avoid lectures and quick irrational decisions. E.g., if you lie again, you'll be grounded for a year!"Never forget that ALL children need to know you care about them and that they can contribute in a positive way. It took the child a long time to become a master of distorting the truth, exagerating, lying chronically, be consistent, patient and understand that change will take time.
