When parents catch their child lying, they are faced with the question of "how to react?"
To find the answer, you need to understand its causes. Let's look at the most common motives.
1. Copying.
If relatives allow themselves to lie in front of a child, it is not surprising that he can adopt this trait. Therefore, any psychologist will advise you to keep your promises, even if the child is very small.
Already at this age, the child develops a program "you can lie to achieve a goal." It happens that parents themselves suggest that the child tell a lie. This creates a contradiction in the child's consciousness: on the one hand, lying is bad, on the other - in some situations it is permissible.
2. Playing to the public.
If a child lacks attention, he looks for any way to get it. The child turns on his imagination and comes up with exciting stories for the sake of peer recognition.
3. Image.
If parents set strict criteria for "quality", then the child develops a fear of non-compliance.
If some event contradicts the image of a good person, then you can keep silent about it or embellish it. The child is simply afraid of disappointing the parents and appearing in a bad light in their eyes.
4. Fear of consequences.
The most common reason for lying is the fear of punishment. This could be moral humiliation, censure, deprivation or even physical violence. The liar understands what awaits him for the offense and tries to avoid it.
The parents' reaction, in turn, can also affect the child's future behavior. To avoid relapses, follow these rules.
- Do not scold or punish for lying.
- Find out the reason for the action.
- Discuss your child's feelings and explain that you love him even if he makes mistakes.
- Explain that you are not perfect either and can make mistakes.
- Together, find a way out of the current situation and allow the child to be responsible for it.
Remember, in order for a child to be able to tell you the truth in any situation, he must be confident in you. Only a trusting relationship will allow you to avoid lying.
