How Parents Cope With a Cheating Son

Parents have been dealing with sons who cheat for a long time. It is not new. But according to CBSNews.com report, some teachers believe it is becoming an epidemic. Kids cheat for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. However your son̵7;s cheating manifests -- at home, at school or on the athletic field -- it is not helping him.

  1. What is Cheating

    • Cheating is being deceptive, dishonest or misleading, and your son can cheat in a variety of ways and in a variety of settings. He can sneak cheat notes into a test, lie about his age to get on a team or copy something off the Internet and pass it off as his own idea. PsychologyToday.com defines the formula for cheating as ̶0;sneaking + lying + stealing.̶1;

    Understand Why Your Son Cheats

    • Understanding why your son cheats is critical. Before you can end a behavior you need to understand the reasons behind it. Your son might cheat because he feels he̵7;s not smart enough to pass a test or not athletic enough to compete with peers. He might have a schedule that is so demanding that he feels he doesn't have enough time to study or he might feel as though he's not loved and might cheat to compete for your attention.

    Be Calm

    • Your first response to your son̵7;s cheating can range from anger to denial. Whatever your initial reaction, remain calm. Coping with cheating requires a clear head and an understanding tone. You want your son to trust you and be honest with you. According to the CBSNews.com report, you can expect two or three denials from your son before you get the truth. Be patient and stress the guilt associated with cheating. Work with the teacher, coach or, if necessary, a therapist, on dealing with your son̵7;s problem.

    Explain the Consequences

    • Stress the consequences of cheating. Make your son aware that cheating is all about lying, sneaking and stealing. If he feels embarrassed or ashamed, let him feel his emotions. Emphasize that cheating can disappoint family, teachers and friends. KidsHealth.org notes that cheating keeps your child from learning and promotes low self-esteem. It can also lead to serious outcomes as an adult.

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