DD just keeps telling lies

[coldfingersandtoes]

DD who is 4 just can't seem to tell the truth at the moment, she lies about everything and obvious lies, for example while she is eating breakfast she will say she hasn't had any breakfast today?!? she comes home from school telling lie after lie about what happened that day....for example her teacher wasn't there today when I know full well she was there all day etc etc How on earth do I stop this behaviour, I've lost count of the amount of times I have calming explained why telling lies is wrong but it has no impact on her

I just kind of ignore it. They seem to have no concept at that age on the differences between fantasy and reality - it's not quite lying, more just... nonsensical babble, really. Like if they said there was a dragon at the bottom of the garden, it's not a lie, it's a cute game. It's just not so cute when they're telling you their teacher never comes to school or they were forbidden from the lunch hall.

I admit it's given me cause for concern, especially when you're asking them basic questions and they're coming out with such nonsense you wonder if they even understood the question, or the English language.

Serious lies, like getting someone into trouble, I would tackle. But the flights-of-fancy - we did no work today, we watched CBeebies all day, we had jelly for dinner, we don't use pencils or do any writing, they said I don't need to come in tomorrow - I tend to respond with "that's nice dear" and sort of let it go.