Combating Lying

LYING and MANIPULATION

Everyone lies at some point in their life.  We lie because we want to either protect someone from our real feelings, we want to gain something from someone else or we aren't confident enough to accept rejection.  But when we lie or when we attempt to manipulate others with our words, we take away their power to decide.  The impact of lying is great.  Once we begin lying, it's really easy to keep at it.

Lying is one of my least favorite things in the entire world and my kids are learning how to lie (because it is an art form).  Rather than getting really upset about it, I have been teaching them about the impact that their lies have not only on others, but also on themselves. 
 

• What is trust?
• Do you want to be a trustworthy person? 
  
• How does your lie make the other person feel?
  
• Would you like it if others lied to you? 
• How would that make you feel?
  

Talking to kids about how their behavior impacts others is not the only way to alter their behavior, but it is very helpful with empathy and understanding their role within a larger context.

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