5 Tips for Parents to Get Their Kids to Tell the Truth

Every parent has probably had to deal with a child who was missing the truth. This is normal, as this is how children develop their imagination and, strange as it may seem, this is how they socialize.

But what must be done when faced with the suspicion that the child may be in a dangerous situation, carrying out a lie that could harm him or her? Your child may, for example, be being bullied, being chased by a teacher or having a fight with someone, preferring to hide certain facts. It is necessary to think over all the options to make the child stop lying and tell the whole truth.

In this post, the awesome.club points out the best ways to get your child to open up, broaching any subject bluntly.

Prevent the negative emotions provoked by your child’s behavior from triggering yelling, threats and punishment. Doing this you may even feel relieved, but your behavior will cause fear in the child. Pay attention to your tone of voice and try to avoid accusatory words (such as “you stole, lied or let me down”). Discuss possible ways around the situation: have the child find a way out under your supervision. Let your child know that you are still family, and that you should work together.

The main reason why a child or teenager does not want to confess their actions and the fear. Fear of being punished, misunderstood, embarrassed, fear of disappointing a relative or causing negative reactions. Help your child overcome these fears. Show that, if necessary, you will be there giving support and protection.

Encourage frank communication. Say, for example, “If you tell me what happened, I won’t tell anyone.” Or show that, if the child speaks the truth, he will not be punished: “I won’t be upset, you can rest assured that I will understand”.

No need to ask questions you already know the answer to. For example, instead of asking the threatening question, “Have you done your homework yet?”, try asking, “When are you going to finish your homework?” If the child really didn’t do the task, he can explain himself and tell him what he had planned, without having to invent a lie.

It is the same fear, but from a different perspective: it is not the fear of punishment itself, but of your reaction: condemnation, disappointment, misunderstanding. Be compassionate. Make it clear that you understand the child, or that you at least try to understand him as long as he tells the truth. Suppose you notice that your child is missing classes. You can start broaching the subject this way: “Of course you’re going to deny that you’re skipping class. But I understand you perfectly”.

Let the child be aware that if he tells the truth, nothing will happen. terrible will happen. There is often a fear of telling the truth because they think it will provoke punishment or a negative reaction. But if you show that the consequences won’t be as scary as the child expects, he will trust you more.

“Mom, I have something to tell you, but don’t be mad at me.” Hearing a sentence like that, a lump appears in the throat. But before reacting aggressively to the report, keep in mind that the child, even knowing that he made a mistake and that he may be punished, still told the truth. This is very important and should be appreciated. Tell your child that she appreciates the outpouring of sincerity and that it will help her deal with the consequences of her mistake.

Often, the child starts by lying, but then decides to tell the truth. But parents, instead of appreciating the confession of the little one, often insist on the fact that the child lied. And this makes the child conclude: “There is no difference between lying and telling the truth; I will be punished in the same way.” In order for your child to understand that it is important to tell the truth and that admitting their mistakes will not lead to punishment, honesty must be rewarded.

We sincerely hope that our tips will help you to get closer to your children and that you will be able to understand each other, whatever the situation.