10 Lies Parents Should Stop Telling Their Children

Parents lie to their children every day, but most of the time they don't even realize they are doing it. Even if the purpose is to protect and prevent injury and suffering, the attitude is not positive.

Also, it is no use telling your child not to lie, but to keep telling a few lies. They'll think it's good to lie, since mommy and daddy lie too.

Therefore, according to Dr. Magdalena Battles, master in child psychology, parents need to stop doing this and create a trusting relationship with their children. See some of the most common lies and tips for finding solutions in every situation.

1. Santa Claus is watching your behavior.

Instead of threatening to say that Santa will not give gifts, take something out for the moment, for a few hours or a certain time, so they know that inappropriate behavior has immediate consequences. If two brothers are fighting and parents say Santa is seeing, sooner or later they will find out that this is a lie, which will compromise the behavior of the little ones.

2. I will never let anything bad happen to you.

This may be your intention, but it may not be possible. You can't protect your children 100% of the time. Instead, use the truth so that the child feels protected but is aware of the real dangers. For example: "I will always try to protect you, but there are bad people out there, so I don't want you to walk away from me in a store." or "I'm here to protect, but if you walk away, I won't be close and you may be putting yourself in danger." It may be scary, but it is a true reality. Choose words carefully not to cause anxiety but to make them more cautious with strangers.

Also read: 10 Habits That Will Strengthen Relationships With Your Children

3. The park is closed.

You know very well that the park is open, but you don't have time to take the kids because you have other things to do. Instead of lying, act honestly. Also because they will grow a little and will realize that you are lying about the closure of the park.

"Mom / Dad can't take you to the park today because we have to buy groceries for the week so we can have meals, and we have other important appointments that must be made today." They may complain and complain, but it's okay, they will learn the reality of life and they can't have everything they want all the time.

4. It won't hurt, I promise.

Your child needs to get a vaccine but is screaming and you drop this phrase to calm him or her down. But he knows it's a lie, because you said it wouldn't hurt the first time he got vaccinated and he knows it hurts. They learned from the pain you lied to. So let them know it will be a little sting, a little pain, but then it goes away. And show that they can cope, explain that they need it for health reasons. If you say it won't hurt, they will be hurt and you will be blamed.

5.? You are the best artist, excellent design !?

Don't bother praising your child when you're not being honest. Believe it or not, children can understand, whether by tone of voice, body language, but they know when their parents are not being completely honest. Instead, praise creativity when drawing, about the skills, not about the end product that is not good.

6. Is it time for bed!

It's only 7:30 pm and it's not bedtime, since you know bedtime is at 8pm. Simple solution: Say it's time to start getting ready for bed. Words are important and it all comes down to maintaining trust between parents and children. It may not be a big lie, but what is said has a chance of creating trust issues in the future.

Also read: Good Parents vs. Bright Parents? know the habits that set them apart

7. Don't know what happened to your drawing that was nailed to the fridge.

You know what happened because you threw it away. You cannot keep every drawing done because there is not even room for it. The solution is to explain to the children, to show the drawer where the most significant drawings are, and to say that they can put things themselves if they want to make sure they are kept. If it's full, it's time to help them select the ones they want to keep or not to keep. This gives them responsibility for their art and makes their parents more honest.

8.? I'll be there in a minute.?

Yes, your intention is good. You want to be there to help with anything.However, you are paying bills and want to finish what you are doing. So just say this: you need to finish paying the bills and then you can go. Don't lie saying it's a minute, because it can be longer, and the more time passes until you arrive, the bigger the lie.

9.? I will go out and leave you here alone.

Sometimes it seems like the child who listens to you because of what you say, but it's actually because they are scared. Instead of using a scare tactic, use specific and realistic consequences. You can say "if you don't put your shoes on and get in the car within 5 minutes, I won't let you watch TV at night".

10.? We don't have enough money to ??

Instead of lying, explain so that the child understands. Explain that everyone wants to go on vacation, so they can't go to the movies or do other things, as they are saving their money. Help them understand that sometimes doing something really special and fun involves sacrifice. Aside from teaching a valuable life lesson, you will not be lying.

Speaking the truth is the best way for children to learn and grow. Show the consequences of misbehavior so they know that if they disobey, they will have a specific punishment, such as not watching TV or playing games for a specific period of time. It is better to be honest and disappoint your child, who may suffer minor disappointments, than to undermine your relationship with the child. Words have the power to make parents trustworthy or unreliable, and the development of that trust begins in early childhood.

Read also: Tips to track children's performance at school

Sick of Your Child Lying? This is How to Make it Stop. (April 2024)