6 year old ds telling lies ...help

[CharlieBoo]

My 6 year old ds has been telling the odd fib for a few months now. It's nothing major but it's never to get him out of trouble, he lies about things he doesn't need to lie about... I.e football scores, so and so said this at school etc. I caught him out again this morning about a lie he told yesterday. His friend not getting his spellings right when it transpires he did. Not a big thing but he was so adamant he did but he was lying. I've threatened to talk to his teacher which sends him into hysterics. This morning I have told him no dsi for a week and bed at 7 for a week same time as his little sister. What else can I do???

My ds (same age) has started doing this too. I think he's testing the waters really. Seeing what happens if you tell little fibs and seeing what he can get away with. I don't feel it warrants 'punishment' as such, rather we're letting him know we know when he's lying, are disappointed in him etc and explaining why its wrong. IMO its one of those socialisation things that they need to be guided through rather than chastised for.

Hi

Its time to set clear boundaries and if these boundaries are pushed or broken then I think it does warrant consequence... not "punishment"

Start by setting up a clear visual board with house rules.... 1 being No Lying. You can also introduce other boundaries such as "tidying your own toys away"

When your 6yr old is good, give rewards on a visual chart... has he helped you set the table? He gets a reward... A reward can be 10mins on DSI/10Mins of TV... make it so when you take the DSI away for lying or breaking the house rules its not taking away something he feels he had a natural right to - but something he earnt. This way, it'll have A LOT more effect.

But, you're problem is, how do you know when he is lying! There may be little times he gets away with porky pies because you don't/can't know the truth.

This is a phase but you need to give clear boundaries and consequences to breaking these boundaries to ensure that it doesn't turn into a habit!

Also, make sure that you give him a lot of your time - he may be lying for attention - negative attention is not a good thing to give him (especially over lying... so deal with it by removing a reward and walk away) but make sure you give him positive attention when he is good... and give him opportunities for him to earn rewards and be good!

Good Luck!

Chelsea

The Nanny Tree
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