Children usually begin lying from around 3 or 4 years of age. This is when they begin to realize that parents and adults are not mindreaders, so they can speak false things without others finding out about it.

You will often catch kids lying about things for a specific reason. The reason may be anything ranging from avoiding scolding to bragging about stuff. As a parent, you must try to figure out why your little one is persistently lying and guide them to eliminate this habit. If lying is not curbed on time, it might become a habit as they grow up. Here are some tips to help you prevent your toddler from lying.

Praise them for speaking the truth.

Praise or reward your child for being honest and truthful in tough situations. It will create a positive response to their behaviour and will encourage them to be truthful in the future. Test your kids occasionally to find out how honest they are. For instance, if you know they have not completed their homework, ask them about it. You will instantly know whether or not they are being truthful.

Assure your child that they can trust you

Children usually lie when they have a fear of facing negative consequences. They are probably afraid of being scolded if they tell you the truth. To avoid such a scenario, give your kids the assurance that they can trust you with everything. It will make them comfortable enough to share their problems with you and come out clean about everything.

Do not lose your calm.

Calmly explain to your child how their dishonesty makes you feel, how it impacts your relationship with them, and how things would be if friends and family stopped trusting them. It will help your child see the difference between what happens when they are honest and when they lie.

Create scenarios and examples

Teaching essential values through stories and examples is the ideal way of getting your message across. If you catch your little one lying more often, then deal with the situation immediately. Once kids are all grown up, they tend to carry forward their childhood habits, and it can be problematic in the future. Read to them stories about honesty and biographies of truthful people and teach them the importance of being honest.

Talk about truth and reality.

Discuss how truth and reality are different from possibility, fantasy, make-believe, and pretence. Teach your children to use cues to help identify the difference between reality and lies.

If nothing works and lying becomes chronic in your child, then it is best to seek professional guidance to inculcate truthfulness and honesty in them.