In the previous article, parents must have understood why children often lie . However, not all parents have appropriate ways to teach children not to lie. Many parents, when they discover their children are lying, try to force them to tell the truth or apply harsh punishments to them. However, this way of teaching children not to lie has a quite low success rate, and even causes opposite effects.
So what is the most effective way to teach children not to lie? Let's refer to the following wise parents sharing about how to teach children not to lie:
When do children start lying?
Children can learn to lie at a very young age, usually by the time they are 3 years old. At this time, children realize that adults cannot read their minds. So sometimes children say things that are not true or things that they imagine.
At the age of 4-6 years old, many children lie more than before. Children feel better when lying, and know how to adjust their facial expressions and voice to match what they are saying. If an adult asks a child to explain, the child will usually confess.
When children go to school, they lie more often and may feel that lying is better. Children's lies also become more complex than before, as children have expanded their vocabulary and understanding of other people's thoughts. When children turn 8 years old, they can lie skillfully without any flaws.
Therefore, from a young age, parents need to have ways to teach their children not to lie that are appropriate for each child's age and stage of development. Always emphasize the importance of honesty, and help children understand the difference between truth and lies.
Simple but effective ways to teach children not to lie
Encourage children to tell the truth
Many parents feel angry and scold when they discover their children are lying. But this will make children scared, embarrassed, and even hurt. What parents need to do is stay calm and gently explain to their children that lying is not good. Let your child know you can't trust him if he keeps lying like this. This will encourage children to tell the truth and always be honest in their words.
Do not accuse the child
This is one of the effective ways to teach children not to lie. Parents should not accuse their children of being liars. This will hurt the child's self-esteem, and may cause him or her to lie more. If children believe they are liars, they will continue to lie. Instead, parents should talk to their children about lying and how to correct wrongdoing.
For example, even though you know your child broke the vase, you still gently ask, "Why is the crayon box falling everywhere? Can you help me clean it up? The child can help you clean it up and receive it." When children realize that the consequences of what they do are not so scary, it is easier for them to admit their mistakes.
Don't put too much pressure on children
Parents should not set too many expectations or strict rules for their children. Children will not be able to fully understand what their parents want and will not be able to do it correctly. When children do something wrong, they will choose to lie because they don't want their parents to be sad or disappointed because of them.
Build trust with children
Build trust between children and parents. This is an effective way to teach children not to lie that parents should apply. When children have trust in their parents, they will not feel afraid and will easily express the truth. In addition, parents also need to encourage and praise children when they are honest. If the child has admitted his/her mistake, parents should try not to scold them but should thank them for being honest.
Set an example for children
The educational environment has a great influence on children's cognition and personality. To prevent children from lying, parents must always be honest with them. Set an example for your child, learn how to explain and tell the truth appropriate to your child's age, instead of using lies.
Family education always plays an important role in children's development. Hopefully the above ways to teach children not to lie will help parents gain more knowledge to raise their children to develop comprehensively and become excellent people. Don't forget to follow Mykingdom's " Handbook " section to see more useful articles.
