Children can lie in a variety of ways, from tall tales to little white lies. When a child is caught in the act of lying frequently, as a parent you must use discipline to stop the unacceptable behavior of constant lying. Although you may immediately think to punish your child for telling lies, positive discipline can be used with natural consequences to teach your child about the importance of telling the truth and the disadvantages to frequent lying.
Step 1
Ask your child why he was lying. Children lie for a variety of reasons: to impress friends, to escape consequences or because of an active imagination, according to FamilyEducation.com. When you find out why your child is lying, it becomes easier to deal with the situation. For instance, you wouldn't discipline a child who is lying to protect someone the same way you would discipline a child who is avoiding consequences. Ask your child about the reason for the lying so you know how to prevent lying in the future.
Step 2
Create predictable consequences your child can count on, says Dr. Phil McGraw of "The Dr. Phil Show." The consequences should be consistent and a natural effect of the lying. For instance, a child who tells tall tales learns that you no longer believe their stories. A child who lies to get out of a chore no longer is trusted with responsibilities. A child who is caught lying to a friend or family member is expected to confess the truth. These predictable, consistent and natural consequences teach your child about the importance of telling the truth.
Step 3
Offer praise for truth-telling as a way to positively discipline your child into telling the truth and avoiding lies. Be specific in your praise, suggests the Child Welfare League of America. If you notice your child telling the truth in a difficult situation, say "Thanks for telling the truth. I know it was hard, but it made your friend feel much better." Remember that discipline is not an inherently negative experience; positive discipline can have impressive results in urging your child to tell the truth.
Step 4
Avoid disciplining your child for telling lies in public or in front of friends. If you observe your child telling a lie while around others, wait for a private moment to talk to her about the causes and consequences of lying, according to Scholastic.com's Margery Rosen. Admonishing your child in public can embarrass her and cause further lying to avoid similar reactions in the future.
