Preschool in Ypsilanti Discusses 6 Ways to Deal With Tattling at Home

Is your child a tattletale?
 
Are you worried that your child may not outgrow tattling?
 
Tattling is common in most households, so there’s nothing to fret over. The cause is often sibling rivalry if it’s happening at home, so make sure you give each child the attention they deserve. If you can work through the tattling problem with your child, imagine being able to come home from work to a home that’s relaxed, comfortable, and much less stressed. When you and your children get along well, that dream can become a reality!
 

How to Fix a Tattletale Problem:

According to MetroParent Magazine, there are nine things that can help combat your child’s tattling problem, including:

Photo Credit: Aleksandra Kostina, Flickr

1. Consider the motivation behind the tattling
2. Teach the difference between minor and important telling if someone is in danger
3. Acknowledge your child’s feelings
4. Coach your child on problem-solving skills
5. Be a mediator between the children to help figure out a resolution
6. Play the role of supportive consultant rather than punishing or taking sides
7. Maximize listening skills by taking an interest in what your child has to say
8. Use matter-of-fact phrases like “There are only two grownups in this house, and it’s our responsibility to enforce the rules.”
9. Wait it out! Your child should outgrow tattling eventually

If you come home every day your young child can’t wait to tattle on their older sibling, you’re going to be annoyed and frustrated. So, there’s no harm in trying some of these techniques. They could make a huge difference for your peace of mind!
 
If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how they works for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.

Why Does My Child Lie?

Does your child tell lies?
 
Are you wondering why?
 
Do you worry that your child may be developing a lying problem?
 
No need to worry! Telling lies is completely normal stage for children. Most of us did it at one point or another, but it’s important not to let the telling of lies get out of hand. Instead, imagine what your life would be like if you had a steady flow of truthful communication between you and your child?
 
If you and your child were able to speak openly about everything, there would be a lot less opportunity for lying. Trust is the KEY!
According to Parenting.com, here’s why certain ages groups tell lies:
 
Toddlers: Telling small fibs is common for ages 2-3. These are often fibs “denying they’ve done something wrong or in order to gain something for themselves.”
 
Preschoolers: “This is the age of invisible friends, horned monsters and talking rainbows. Preschoolers who tell tall tales can be pure play, or sometimes wishful thinking, usually insisting their fantasy world is real.”
 
Schoolkids: When 5 – 8 year-olds lie, it usually “benefits someone else or is told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings.”
 
Tweens: Tweens (ages 9 – 12) tend to be a little bit secretive but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. It usually means they’re maturing and wish for more independence.
 

How Should I Handle My Child’s Lies?

The best way to help wean your child from lying is to encourage them to express themselves truthfully. Building a relationship is critical, because without a trusting relationship, getting to know one another can become difficult.
 
Don’t be afraid to open up your feelings to your child and tell them how you feel when they lie. Do you feel angry? Are you filled with disappointment? Are you sad? This can help open up a dialogue and hopefully get your child to open up as well, if you handle it calmly and with love.
 
If you decide to try some of these things with your child, we’d like to know how they work for you. In addition, are there any other alternatives that already work for you that you’d like to suggest to other parents? Please let us know in the comments! At Little Angels Preschool in Ypsilanti serving Saline, Ann Arbor, Milan, and the surrounding areas, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being.