Tellling Lies

[Wumpy]

My 5 year old DS has told me two lies in the last few days. Nothing major, but they were both well thought out and he definitly knew what he was doing.

Both times i found out soon after (an hour or so) that he wasnt telling the truth.

First time I told him if he lies he will be found always be found out and i would be cross with him. Second lie was today and i have only found out after he has gone to bed.

So what do i say to him in the morning?

He is normally quite well behaved but can be very clever!

He is my eldest so first time i have had to deal with this.

Sounds a lot like my ds - just 6. He comes up with some really elaborate lies. i have reached the point where I cannot believe a single thing he says. He will even continue to lie when found out.

I got a book of 'the boy who cried wolf' from the library the other day and read it to him and we talked about the story. I have left it in his room for him to read hoping the msg might get through.

He's testing you and himself. It's perfectly natural and doesn;tmean he's turning into a habitual deceiver. I'd give him a wink over breakfast and tell him he's been found out again. Then let it go.

Don't label him a lier though. It's nothing major like you said.

You could be verrrry mean and say that father christmas knows when he's telling lies!

Thanks for your replies.

I had a word with him this morning. I think he was shocked that i knew that he wasnt telling the truth.

23ballons, he knows that story will bring it up next time he decides to tell a fib.

I read an article recently which suggested that telling lies was a great indication of imagination and intelligence. CHildren do it, apparently, to create their own reality, to own something of their lives that you don't - sort of role play - within the safe environment of home. I guess if it's not a lie that puts anyone in danger then it doesn't deserve a harsh telling off. How about suggesting: "now tell me what boring old mummy would like to know".
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