Question
My 5 year old child seems to be developing a habit for lying. Last night, he stayed with a friend and her two kids while I attended a meeting. On our way home, he told me this..."Zachary did something really, really bad tonight. His Mom told him to get the toys picked up and now! But, he just kept on playing and she brought the belt in and whipped his tail....he still didn't pick up the toys and she made him go to bed to sleep". I said, "really?" He further added a couple of details.... Following this supposed incident....I asked if he was sure that really happened...he again said yes! I then told him that I noticed When I returned he and Zachary were playing and picking up toys when I arrived.....so, if his Mom sent Zachary to bed to sleep, how was he still up when I got there? Of course, he had no answer.....I then told him that when we got home and I was not driving, I would either call or text Miss Amanda to find out what happened because she didn't mention any of that to me when I picked him up. The, the "Oh no Grandma, don't call her or text her, I was just pranking you!". I used that opportunity to given him examples of a "prank" verses telling a lie.....
This isn't the first time he has given me detailed situations which were entirely made up occurred. His mother, my daughter was an avid liar and still is today. I really want and need to try to nip this bad habit in the bud. We have had many past conversations about telling the truth with positive reinforcement for the truth and no significant negative consequences when he is truthful even if it's something he knew better than to do....
Suggestions to curb this habit now?
Thanks
Grandma/Mom
