To raise kids who are honest, use these 4 phrases: You want to make 'honesty feel safe,' says parenting expert
For many parents, catching your child in a lie can feel like a personal betrayal. Parenting expert Alyssa Bask Campbell shares what to say so that you raise confident, honest kids.
TL;DR
- Lying in children is developmentally normal and a sign of developing cognitive skills.
- Punishing lies can create fear and lead to more deception.
- Understand the 'why' behind a lie to address the underlying need.
- Respond to children with safety and empathy to make honesty feel secure.
- Validate children's feelings and reiterate expectations calmly.
- Normalize mistakes and validate feelings to create a culture of honesty.
- Flexibility and understanding encourage children to be honest.