Lying

[PurpleSinger]

How do I deal with a six-year-old girl who lies all the time? I'm at the point now where I don't know whether I can believe anything that comes out of her mouth. I think she does it because she's worried that she'll get into trouble if she tells the truth, so I'm trying to really back off and only scold her for the things that really matter (I know, I know -- I should be doing that anyway...). Anyone else had to deal with something like this? I want her to always feel that she can talk to me about anything, so it really worries me that the lying has started so early.

Is there a possibility that she is under some stress? new teacher/class/school?
The only time this happens with mine is at these times,i think they escape into a bit of a dream zone where every thing is ok as long as they dont have to face whats going on in their minds,
after one bout of this it transpired that my dd didnt think she was interesting/clever/pretty enough to have friends(aagg!we invited loads of people home to play,and currently all seems well!)
Try to set a time alone together,maybe watching a film, have a big warm cuddle tell her shes lovely,which Im sure she is! and bring up the subject calmly,try not to tell her off even if its a whopper of a lie as it will only encourage feelings of resentment. good luck

Thanks, cowmad. I don't think she's under any stress, but I agree that I need to deal with the matter calmly and not tell her off (why does telling off always seem to be my default reaction, when I know full-well that's not the best way to deal with anything?).