Full Description
All children lie. But when your child lies to you, it can feel like a personal betrayal. Backed by years of psychological research, this common-sense, practical guide reveals which parenting strategies promote truthfulness in children—and which ones don't. National Parenting Product Award Winner, 2023
Lying is a healthy and inevitable part of child development. But when do lies become a problem? In this book, psychologist Victoria Talwar, Director of the Talwar Child Development Lab at McGill University, presents practical, science-based strategies to address lying and foster truthfulness in children, from early childhood to the teenage years.
Kids need to learn what honesty looks like in different social situations, and also how to tell the truth in ways that do not hurt others' feelings—a complicated task! Parents and caregivers will learn how to use stories and examples to have proactive conversations with children about honesty, and how to model honest behavior for children. Talwar shows readers how to respond effectively when a child lies (as they inevitably will). Backed by years of psychological research, this common-sense, practical guide reveals which parenting strategies promote truthfulness in children—and which ones don't.
Contents
Introduction: We Can Teach Honesty to Children
I. What You Need to Know About Children's Lies
1. Keeping Things in Perspective: Adult Behavior
2 How Lying Develops as a Normal Part of Child Development
3. Why People Lie
II. Teaching Honesty to Children
4. Stay Calm and Address the Motivation
5. Use Positive Discipline
6. Talk to Children About Honesty
7. Acknowledge and Recognize Honesty
8. Walk the Talk
9. Encourage Open Communication
10. Build a Foundation for Character Development
III. The Gray Zone
11. Secrets and Tattles
12. When Lies Are a Symptom of Other Problems
Final Thoughts
References
Index
About the Author
