Making children understand the concept of lying can sometimes make us feel a little uneasy, guiding them to understand and navigate complex situations, about when to lie and when not to. Hence, at Podar Prep Preschool, we believe in early and effective communication.

First things first, it’s normal for young children to test the waters with truth-bending. It’s part of their cognitive development, but it’s our responsibility to guide them. So, how do we do this?

Children below the age of 6 are very imaginative, they usually don’t even understand the difference between the truth and a lie. Whereas, children above the age of 6, learn from what they see, not just what they’re told. Remember, those little eyes and ears are always observing and absorbing!

So, we can set an example by asking them, if there’s a glass of water on the table or not. Such games help them understand the concept of saying the truth.

On the other side, we as parents sometimes may ask the child to lie, for example, if some relative calls or comes over, we tell the child to say that mommy is not at home, such situations confuse them. Hence, it’s important to help them define social lying and let them know that social lying doesn’t hurt anybody and is something everyone practices at times when needed.

Give them an example of how social lying is helpful sometimes, ask them to Imagine if their friend showed them a drawing and asked if they liked it, but they didn’t. Instead of saying it’s bad, they might say, “It’s really colourful!” This is a social lie, which is sometimes okay because it’s meant to be kind and not hurt their friend. But they should remember, lying isn’t a must.  Always try to be honest in a nice way.

Next, let’s keep communication open and judgement-free. If your child does tell a fib, try not to react with anger. Instead, use it as a teaching moment. Discuss the situation calmly, and ask them why they felt the need to lie.

At Podar Prep, we incorporate values through storytelling, role-plays, and interactive activities, making honesty learning engaging and age-appropriate. Praising honesty is another effective approach. Acknowledge their bravery and honesty when they tell the truth, especially in challenging situations. This positive reinforcement encourages their on-going truthfulness.

 It’s important, to be honest. But there are times when a social lie might be kinder than the outright truth. In the end, the goal is to be kind, considerate, and respectful of other people’s feelings.

To contact the nearest Podar Prep centre, click here: https://podarprep.com/locations/