When your eight year old kid lies

All children have learned to lie by the age of eight. They recognize a lie and know that lying always has consequences. Children this age are becoming better at distinguishing between right and wrong. If they catch someone lying, they shout “liar”. And they have learned to justify lies and find “good” reasons.

Why your eight year old is lying

Your child lies for the same reasons as adults. Fear of punishment, desire for approval, or desire for an advantage lead them to lie. At this age, your child uses different types of lies: the convenience lie, the white lie, and the cry for help (e.g., from social pressure at school). Your child lies out of politeness so as not to hurt other people. It learned that kind of lie from adults.

How should you react when your eight-year-old is lying?

• Keep Calm: Keep calm and avoid angry outbursts. If you yell at your child, they will not open up to you.
• Ask yourself “why”: You should consider why your child lied. This can have a different reason in each situation. Maybe they wanted to lie to protect a friend, or they may have told a lie because they are afraid of disappointing you.
• Show your child that you love them: Your child should realize that you love them unconditionally. In order not to have to be afraid of losing your affection, it is important that you show your child that you love them even if they make mistakes.
• Explain to your child that honesty is important: Your child will learn from you why honesty is important. Explain to him why it is important to be honest.
• Consequences yes, punishment no: Your child must learn why it is bad to lie. Show him how hurt people can be when they are lied to.
• Tell your child what you expect: Your child needs clear rules. tell him what you expect and set clear boundaries.
• Build trust: Your child must not be afraid to tell you the truth. Trust is important so that your child realizes that they can tell you everything and don’t have to lie.
• Show trust: Your child needs to realize that you trust them. show him that you believe what he tells you. In this way, your child will be more honest in the future.
• Praise your child: If your child has been honest with you and admitted to a mistake, you should praise them. This is how your child realizes that it is better to tell the truth.
• Be a role model: You can only encourage your child to be honest if you are a good role model and own up to your mistakes.
• Check your demands: Don’t make too high demands on your child. Sometimes children lie because they can’t cope with being overwhelmed.
• Advice from the child psychologist: If your child lies constantly, you should seek the help of a child psychologist.