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Kindergartener lying?

My son just started kindergarten this year. Suddenly he's telling lies at home. The lies are not protecting his behavior though, they are actually lies about how he is getting in trouble at school. He is not getting in any trouble at all! He is making up stories about how he had to stay inside or his teacher told him to behave, then tells my husband and I a while later that he lied and wasn't really in trouble. My son is shy, but makes friends easily. He would be humiliated to actually be pointed out by his teacher that he is misbehaving. I have talked with him about how his lies hurt my feelings and how when he lies I don't know what stories are real and which are made up. What are your thoughts?

Update:

I work part time and spend all but 4 days a month with my children. He adores his teacher. She is not who is lying..she is completely unaware (until this morning) of his lies. So far with what he has learned from school his teacher deserves her paycheck. I'm not totally against homeschooling, but not everyone is qualified nor is it the best option for all children. My son is very shy, avoiding other children would make this situation worse. I care very, very much for my boys otherwise, I wouldn't be concerned over a lie.

12 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    He may be testing you to get some attention. He may (or may not) have seen someone getting in trouble, saw how the teacher handled it, and trying it on for size at home. He is getting a reaction from you when this happens. He has learned that "If I say this, mom will do this. It's like magic! I can make something happen." It’s a very powerful feeling. Do not give the behavior much attention. When he lies, say "That was quite a story!” or “You've got such a creative mind." Then walk away. Find some more positive way to give him attention. Say things like “You did that without help! You can run super fast! You used so many colors on your panting.” These phrases are great ways to show attention, will help him to feel powerful, and great confidence booster.

    Watch out for what you do at home. Parents often tell their children not to lie but are guilty of it themselves. You might hear the phone ring and tell dad “Tell them I’m not home” or call in “sick” to work when you really just need a break or tell him that Santa won’t come if isn’t good but then he comes anyways. Don’t ever get angry, criticize, or punish. It will just give the behavior more attention. He’s just using his imagination a little more. Help him to find other ways to be creative and use his imagination. Have him draw a picture and he can recite a story for you to write down. He may just be the next Shakespeare! Give it some time and he should soon stop. Be certain that his teacher will tell you if he gets in trouble. Hope this helps! Good luck!

  • 1 decade ago

    Well I believe that he should be punished for his behavior..however you punish your kids..He needs to be taught that no matter what kind of lie it is that it is wrong! Then I would try to sit him down and find out why he is lying(if you can) Maybe he wants the attention of the teacher..Who knows he is at that age that this type of thing can start. My daughter did the same thing(as far as lieing) I nipped it in the bud right away and she is a great kid and doesn't lie to much(one here and there) She also knows that if she tells the truth that she will get in a lot less trouble then if she lies. Good Luck!!

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    maybe he sees other children who 'really do' get into trouble and he's testing to see what you would do if 'he' really got into trouble?? try telling him that if he ever really does get in trouble that yes you would be upset but you still would love him no matter what.

    try diverting the conversation and not dwelling on the lies. don't just ask 'how was your day'?

    try asking him about other parts of his day. how was music class?? what did you do on recess?? who did you play with?? what did your best friend have for lunch?? ask questions that are different. be specific.

    don't forget to praise him when he does good. like helping a classmate.

    enjoy him while you can. they grow fast.

    good luck

  • 1 decade ago

    i have a child that does the same exact thing. he's so convincing it scary. i usually call him on it, i know when he is lying. but I'm afraid one day he may be able to lie to me and i want know either. for example, last school year, 3rd grade. he told the teacher....... you know that storm that hit last... well the tornado hit my back yard, sucked up the dog house with the dog in it. !!!!

    i got a note of sympathy.... WE DON'T EVEN HAVE A DOG. much less a tornado that struck my back yard. i just let the teachers know about it, and if they have any questions,, they are to direct it my way and viseversa. each time i notice him lying.. i say STOP LYING... I KNOW YOUR LYING.... ANY SUGGESTIONS I NEED SOME TOO.

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  • 1 decade ago

    Meet with his teacher to find out if their is something else going on. Maybe he is insecure at school. The teacher is your best resource for what is going on in school and if he is having any social problems.

  • COOKIE
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    It seems to me your child needs lots of hugs and make him feel confident about himself,sometimes children do not even realize it is lying..hold him and tell him you love him,thats what he needs he sounds like he is a good boy too. Surillll

  • Rachel
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    if you are church going people explain to him that God gets sad when he lies, this partially worked for my son then he lied again and i washed his mouth out with soap. He never lied again

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    perhaps the best way to deal with this is to punish him for what he claims to have done ,once he realizes that his "actions" have concequences he may be less encanted by the idea of geting in trouble and abandon his stories

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Your not spending enguht time with him if you do that...

    And he probly dosen't like his teacher or something...

    Teachers lie ALOT...

    Remember-Your kid is there for a teachers paycheck :D

    (you should homeschool if you actullay care about your kids)

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    have you ever lied to him and he found out? if so he is probably doing what you are doing or maybe his friends lie and he is trying to "fit in"

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