Ok Mamas, it’s time to brace yourself for the cold truth- all kids lie, and studies have shown that they begin to do that as early as three years of age. While there are many possible reasons that could be triggering your kid’s dishonest behavior, you as a parent, are definitely concerned about how his lying habits could carry on until adulthood. Here’s some proven ways to helping you transform that folks. Keep reading to discover some simple and effective ways to raise your kid into being more truthful and honest.
7 Ways to Raise More Truthful Kids
Reframe Honesty
One of the most effective ways to get your child to be more honest is to help him understand how honesty is an act of courage, and that if he’s being truthful, he’s, undoubtedly, being brave as well. This little idea can prove to be super helpful in getting children who lie to please you or others around them, or are self conscious.
Do it the Story Way
Reading inspirational stories about honesty and truthfulness is a great way to teach kids about those values at an early stage itself. Develop a bedtime reading routine with your kid, and try to stick to it. Pick up some good books for children that teach important values and at the same time, have an enjoyable storyline as well.
Catch Them Being Honest
It is easy to catch your kid lying, but what about when your kid is truthful. The next time you ask your kid about a mistake that he made, and he actually owns up to it, tell him that you noticed about his truthfulness and that you appreciate it. Empower him when he speaks the truth.
Discipline Calmly
When children are punished and abused, they are more likely to lie and be dishonest, studies have shown. Make sure you, as a parent, are creating the ideal environment at home for your kid- somewhere he can feel safe and loved. Even if there’s a mistake that he needs to be punished for, do it diplomatically and make sure you’re not extreme.
Set Rules
Setting rules is an important part of parenthood, and if you do it right, you it can be a vital way to raise more truthful kids & slash the risk of your child being dishonest with you. Make sure you’re balanced with your parenting approach- that you’ve set some ground rules, but are easy going at the same time. This will ensure that your kid comes to you with his problems instead of just flat out lying about it instead.
Model Honesty
This one’s an absolute no-brainer. The more your kid watches you being truthful in everything that you do, the more likely he is to do the same. So no matter what, make sure you are honest with everyone around you, including your kid, and he’ll surely learn how it is something he should be doing too.
Give Space
Respecting your little one’s privacy is another important aspect of parenting that a lot of parents tend to forget about, and once you start doing that, you’ll notice how your kid is more truthful towards you. This idea works specifically for teens and young adults. If it is a little something that doesn’t need too much of your attention, just let it be instead of obsessing over it and trying to control every aspect of your kid’s life.
Please share with me some ways you’ve learned to raise more truthful kids.
