Everyone has gone through this stage of life as young toddlers lying and there’s no doubt there are reasons behind the lies. However, young children are still innocent and they are not capable of differentiating between lies and the truth. At times, children would tend to fantasies a lot that they wouldn’t mean to do actions that they did which has already happen such as breaking your favorite vase by accident but said it wasn’t them. Then, they will start hiding the facts away by lying.
The reasons of them hiding and lying about the truth are simple. Children would naturally know whenever they lie, there is always the music to face and some are just too severe for children to handle or they themselves find the rules and consequences to be an inconvenience. Either way, your children might have wanted to avoid the embarrassment of disapproval or they are just facing with low self-esteem. Children’s feelings are very tender and naïve which makes them easily influenced by their surrounding which results in them lying by bragging and exaggerating just for the sake of gaining other’s attention and interest.
As parents, it’s essential for you to notice such signs in your toddlers and know your next step in handling them. The basic is to always encourage honesty and understand your children’s reasons in lying by speaking slowly to them and understanding from their point of view. At the same time, being parents yourselves, try to set a good example to them by not lying even if it’s a white lie as children are very observant and will imitate your behavior. Tell them that lying doesn’t work and try to find solutions together that will satisfy both parties. You can encourage them to read books that have morale values. Remember to reward them for their good behavior with positive comments or small gifts.
There’s really no point in being violent or rage over lies told by your innocent young ones as such actions would only make the situation worst. Your children might rebel against you and do the direct opposite of what you want. During this period, children pick up very fast and it is important as parents to consistently guide them to be good. Thus, it’s important for parents to be tactful with your method of approaching your children when confronting them about lying to avoid the situation from becoming worst.