Fixing Our Fibbing: 5 Steps to Take
-December 7, 2010-Comments (0)
Here's an extra bit from the article "Fixing Our Fibbing" in the December 2010 issue of ParentLife.
Steps to Take When You Catch Your Child in a Lie
- Know the situation before confronting. There are times when you might believe you have caught your child in a lie, but it is actually a misunderstanding. Make sure you understand the situation as best as possible before confronting your child.
- Give an opportunity for confession. Once you confront your child, do not start by accusing him of lying. Instead, give him the opportunity to confess to you (think of God in Eden). Present the facts as you understand them, and give your child a chance to respond.
- Make certain that a resolution is made. Once the lie has been brought to light, you will want your child seek forgiveness from the person to whom he lied and make things right the best he can.
- Discipline if needed. Not every lie will require discipline; however, serious lies or chronic lying may need to be addressed through loss of privileges, grounding, or some other form of discipline.
- Extend forgiveness. Always reaffirm your love and forgiveness as well as God’s. It is important for your child to understand what it means to be under grace.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
Would you add any steps to this progression?
Photo used with permission of Flickr Creative Commons.
