Three-Year-Old Makes Up Stories

Q My three-year-old niece is always making up these stories of what happened during her day, or week. When you ask her a question, she tells the truth, it's when she runs out of fun stuff to tell me that she makes up these stories. My brother is getting nervous that she is turning into a liar. But I just think she is being creative. What do you think? A She is not "turning into a liar." She enjoys your attention and responses to stories of her day and week and when she has exhausted her "real" tales she chooses to make up additional stories rather than end this special time together. Kids at this age and stage also blur their worlds of reality and fantasy. I would consider it appropriate for you to continue appreciating her "life stories," while telling her that you also enjoy her imaginary stories. Once you give her permission to be creative in telling "pretend stories" to you, she can continue to tell you both real and imaginary stories with equal enthusiasm.

Don't be surprised, however, if she occasionally claims that her pretend tales are real. Sometimes, it's just too irresistible for a three year-old not to exaggerate. You and her dad might play along and tell a few real and pretend stories to her, asking her which ones are real and which ones are imaginary. Enjoy this creative, engaging little girl.


Previous:

Next:

  • The Best Ways to Discipline a Child
    A child may misbehave because she wants parental attention or acceptance from friends. Remaining calm while disciplining your child is difficult, and you may feel your patience reach its limit. Children usually learn bad behavior, so how you react wh
  • Children Spend Half of Their Time With Grandparents In Front of a Screen
    Children under their grandparents’ care spend about half of that time on screens, according to a new study. The amount of screen time that grandparents’ allow exceeds the current recommendations by twofold. Researchers looked at how children aged two
  • Husband Yelling at Kids
    Q I have two daughters, ages four and two. My husband is impatient with them and he often yells at them when theyre misbehaving. Ive tried talking to him about this, but he wont listen. He supports spanking and feels our kids would listen better if w