Preschooler Lying

Preschooler Lying

• It takes several years to learn about honesty and truthfulness, lies and tact, and it can be very confusing for a child. For example, when we say we like a present and they know we don't.
• When is a lie not a lie? For a preschooler it's sometimes difficult to tell the difference between things. Fact and fiction are mixed together. Preschoolers often pretend a lot. When they tell you stories they may believe what they are saying.
• Sometimes children don't think before they act and will cover up the results of their behaviour by pretending it never happened. They may also be scared about what you might do.
• You can help your child learn by:
  • not creating situations which encourage them to cover up, eg don't ask them if they broke something when you know no one else could have done it
  • assuring them that you know they didn't mean to do what they did, sometimes things just happen
  • letting them learn from the experience
  • talking with them at the time each thing happens
  • giving them an opportunity to have their say.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

Preschoolers Values :: Preschoolers Teaching For Life
Setting Limits For Preschoolers :: Praise A Preschooler :: Preschooler Lying
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