Tips to Keep Lying to a Minimum
Don’t tell lies.
Be a good role model.
Work to foster an open, honest relationship at home early on.
Ask specific questions and demand specific answers.
Don’t give your kids the chance to lie.
Make them check in with you before they leave the house for school.
Make it a house rule that they call you if they’re going to be late or are going to a new location.
April Berkowski 07/30/08
My daughter knows that if I trust her she will receive more priveliges and freedom. It's up to her to earn and keep my trust. There will be times when a child doesn't want to deal with the reality of consequences or wants to manipulate us into getting something they want, so they will likely be dishonest. It's important to remain very present in their lives, pay attention, ask questions and model honesty and be available for them. Work on the relationship. There are times when I know my kid is lying and to get her to admit the truth, I will let her know that she can either tell the truth and only receive a consequence for the indiscretion, or she can lie and receive two consequences...one for lying, one for the indiscretion. Use good judgement, don't make it personal and encourage them make good choices. They can choose to live honestly (and receive our trust) or to live dishonestly (and not receive trust and the freedom that goes with it). And don't be afraid to check up on them...they're your children...you are responsible for their well being! It's not about being their friend...it's about being a parent.
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