time.”
When you have a child who uses lying regularly to avoid
unpleasant tasks, such as chores or homework, try to fix the problem
—as much as you can—so that lying does not seem necessary to the
child. If your son continually lies about homework, for example, work
out some kind of communication with the teacher, such as a daily
assignment sheet. Then use the tactics described in chapter 16, such
as the PNP routine and Rough Checkout to ensure that the homework
is being completed. For chores, consider fixing the problem by the
judicious use of other Start behavior strategies (see chapter 12).
Lying is not a good thing and you don’t want to encourage it in
your children, but it certainly isn’t the end of the world either. Most
people, children as well as adults, probably tell a few “stretchers”
from time to time. Not telling the truth doesn’t mean that your kids
don’t love you or that they are bound to grow up to become inmates in
a federal penitentiary. Lying can turn into a significant problem,
though, and it needs to be managed carefully and thoughtfully. Over
the years, frequent emotional overreactions from you—combined
with badgering and cornering—can help produce an accomplished
liar.
Now let’s take a look at Real-Life Story 2. In The Incredible Case
of the Traveling Troublemakers, you’ll see how one young mom used
counting very effectively to deal with her squabbling offspring while
riding in the car!
marcin
(Marcin)
#1