CLEVELAND — Every kid does it from the time they start talking until they leave the nest: They all tell lies.
Some are big, some are small and in the grand scheme of things, it's the way you react that really matters. Dr. Carolyn Landis with University Hospitals tells us the way we handle our kids lies could be making it worse.
“They're trying to avoid being punished, they're trying to avoid disappointing parents or they might want to avoid. They might be trying to get something. That's why they're having trouble telling the truth."
It’s natural for kids to not tell the truth. When it comes to toddlers, Dr. Landis says it's hard for them to know reality versus lie.
“And kids get so much attention for not telling the truth, much more so than telling the truth. So we need to change that balance over time, and that's what I find with my patients is that there's much too much focus on when kids fess up and tell the truth.”
She says explain to them you know the truth and reiterate what really happened. That goes for both kids and teens.
“Don't set up your child to lie. Say instead 'I found this in your room, we talked about not doing this. What can I do to help you?’”
Most importantly, let your kids know, you are a safe place to confess.
“When a kid comes to you with something and owns up to something, that's when you really praise them and say, 'It makes me feel proud that you trusted me enough to that you came and told me what really happened.'”