You know your kid is trying to put one over on you, but what's the best way to call him on it? "Kids lie for the same reason adults do - to avoid unpleasant consequences," notes University of Tennessee professor of psychology Charles Thompson, Ph.D. Show your child you're not going to blow your top - and help him be more honest - by improving your comebacks:
The Lie: "I already brushed my teeth."
Your Response: "I don't think so! Your toothbrush isn't even wet!"
A Better One: "Let's do it together now anyway."
The Lie: "Daddy said I could."
Your Response: "Daddy would never say you could do that."
A Better One: "Then let's wait until Daddy's home so we can talk about it together."
The Lie: "I didn't break the vase/toy/remote control."
Your Response: "Hmm...could you be lying so you won't get in trouble?"
A Better One: "You're worried that I'll get angry if you tell the truth, but I know accidents happen. Can we think of a way to fix it?"
The Lie: "My friend said I could keep this toy."
Your Response: "Really? You know you can't just take things that you like."
A Better One: "That's nice, but we should call his parents to make sure it was okay to give it away."
