Raising children can be hard work. Many parents become friends with their children rather than serving as an authority figure for them. Other parents, on the other hand, are too strict when dealing with their children, which contributes conflict to the family. It can be especially challenging to have a child who lies to you. Many people tell lies, but it is important for you to learn whether your child is lying to you about something.
Step 1
Pay close attention to your child's behavior. See if he claims one thing and then does something entirely different, as this is a good sign that your child is lying to you. Be aware of your child's behavior on a regular basis to be able to decipher information about his patterns--what he tells you and what he actually does.
Step 2
If you notice that your child is overly agreeable, this is a sign that your child is lying to you. You can tell if he is lying if he tries to agree with you "just to agree."
Step 3
Ask your child for an alibi. If your child states that he is going to visit a friend, but you are not sure you believe this, follow up with that particular friend or the parent of this friend as a foolproof way to discern whether your child is being honest with you or not.
Step 4
Talk to a close family member or your spouse, who could have heard another story regarding something your child told you.
Step 5
Talk to your child. Make sure to communicate to him that you are available for any reason and that there is no reason for him not to tell you the truth.
Step 6
Be sure you do not criticize your child when she tells you the truth about something she once lied about, as having the certainty that she will not be criticized will make her feel more comfortable telling you the truth.
Step 7
Make notes about any irregular conversations or behavior your child exhibits. If your child's body language changes when he speaks and you notice that he answers you impersonally and quickly, he may be lying about something.
Tips and Warnings
- You should always tell your children the truth to serve as a good example for them.
