When Kids Fib

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

 

From TODAY, Voices

Tuesday, 24-February-2009

 

By Dr Bill Maier

 

It may be cute when a three year old tells tales, but if we’re not careful those little fantasies can grow into full-fledged lies as they get older.

 

Kids between the ages of three and five can’t always distinguish fantasy from reality.

 

And they often get a lot of attention when they make up little stories.

 

They don’t really understand that they’re lying; they just think it’s fun.

 

When they get older, though, these tall tales aren’t quite as harmless.

 

Sometimes kids tell stories as a way to get other kids to like them or to keep from getting into trouble.

 

It worked when they were little, so why shouldn’t it work now when they’re older?

 

It’s important to talk to our kids and make sure they understand the difference between the truth and a lie.

 

If they’re old enough to know better, parents need to impose consequences for lying.

 

Because there’s nothing cute about a kid who fibs.