How to Punish Kids Who Lie
Just like adults, children often lie to avoid punishment or to please others. Because parents have the responsibility to model good behavior and teach children right from wrong, it is important to teach children to be truthful. When a child lies, use the situation as a way to teach the behavior you desire.
Instructions
Make a plan for dealing with lying. Determine a consequence or punishment for lying. For example, a young child of four or five might lose the privilege to play outside for a day. A child of six or seven might lose television or computer privileges for a day or two. A child of eight or nine might lose the same privilege for a longer time. Preteens and teenagers might lose a cellphone for a period of time. Talk with your child about lying so he or she understands the importance of being truthful. Talk about how important it is to tell the truth, even if he or she fears consequences. Promise your child that if he or she tells you the truth about a mistake or misdeed, you will not punish the child as harshly. This separates the misdeed from the lying and helps you teach a child the benefits of telling the truth. Avoid creating situations in which a child will want to lie. For example, if you know that a child disobeyed you, do not ask the child if he or she disobeyed you. This will tempt the child to lie to try to avoid punishment. Instead, approach the situation without putting the child in the position of fighting the temptation to lie, and instead deal directly with the disobedience. Explain to a child why you are punishing him or her when he lies. Give the punishment for lying that you already discussed with your child. Give a punishment for disobeying also, if applicable. Make both punishments separate and make sure you explain the distinctions to your child so he or she understands that you are punishing him or her for both lying and disobeying. Praise your child for telling the truth in situations in which your child has disobeyed you. When your child has the courage and character to tell you truthfully that he or she disobeyed you, make the punishment for the disobedience a little lighter than it might have been. This will encourage your child to be truthful.
