How do you get a 3 year old to stop telling stories that are not true?

Answer 1

I had a 3 yr old I was a nanny for that did this. She would never lie to get out of bad behavior.. she just made up stories about her day at school. Like saying that a girl brought a real live elephant to show and tell. Or that her whole class had gone to disney world that day. She would tell people about her day and make up elaborate stories. She would also just make up things people had said. It was frustrating and annoying.

Basically I would listen to her tales. and then say "Gee Lily... are you sure that's the truth or do you wish that was what happened today?" Most times she would pipe up that she wished it had happen. I always talked to her about what a lie was and what truth was but she still did it. So I pretty much began to tell her that I could not believe her anymore if she kept telling me fibs. So, when she said she wanted chocolate milk for dinner I would serve strawberry and remind her how hard it is to know if she was really telling the truth. I would just 'not believe' her about teeny tiny things. I would take out her Barbie if she wanted candyland.... cause I didn't know if she was truthful.

We also started having two stories for her day. When she got home first she would tell me her "I wish" story..... then she had to tell me the truth. That way she got to practice telling both versions and learning the difference between the two.

I didn't exactly want to punish her in time-out for making creative stories, this is a good skill to have. I did not want her stop imagining... just to know the difference between a truth and a lie. Also, she never lied to get out of trouble. Just lied about events. After a while she stopped. It may have just been a phase cause it happened pretty soon after she was actually able to talk enough to tell stories.

Answer 2

I don't know what kind of stories you are talking about them telling. But children usually do at that age. It is normal and mostly just their imagination developing. Children at this age sometimes too can have a little difficulty keeping the lines between fantasy and reality from blurring. Telling stories isn't necessarily a bad thing and they usually just grow out of it.

My daughter is 3 she does this sometimes depending on what the story is about I either encourage her to elaborate more and thus encourage the development of her imagination. Or I will test her and say did that really happen or are you making up a story for momma again. The latter also helps you to see what stage in her ability to differentiate reality from fantasy she is. Sometimes my daughter will say no momma, silly me! If she is making up a story.

Answer 3

i think of area of this is her age. in spite of the undeniable fact that it feels like this little woman has multiple issues going against her that she may be scared and perplexed. i could guess her mom is asserting undesirable issues approximately you the two and he or she's terrified of you 2. it is not you're fault of direction, and all you're able to do is help her comprehend which you at the instant are not the enemy. It feels like there is a few abuse on the homestead. i could talk on your husband and notice what he thinks. perhaps it's time to call the government or flow returned to courtroom. If she's being abused you ought to combat for her. in any different case she'll continually think of this is okay to be harm. she would be waiting to on no account have faith all and sundry the two. She desires help and you sound such as you the two can do it. i think of the mummy is doing some thing to make her petrified of you the two. She has no authentic to try this. in simple terms be there for the little woman and do what you likely already comprehend so you might do and take care of her! She won't be able to take care of herself and this is her father's responibilty to attain this. i desire issues paintings out.

Answer 4

It's normal for 3-yr-olds not to tell the truth - they don't yet understand the same way we do about lies and truth, and they aren't capable of intending to deceive in the same way as older kids (I mean probably at least 5 but maybe older, depending on the kid) or adults. I'm not suggesting you let it go - you need to explain to them about telling the truth. But you're going to be explaining it a lot until they're old enough to get it.

Answer 5

Simple

Tell them, that is amazing. But lying is wrong. When you want to tell Mom a story, say Mom what if ..... happened?

Play simple games of what if, and is this true of a silly story.

By the way it is normal development for a child of three to eight years old to begin fibbing. It is the parents job to teach the right from wrong.

Answer 6

both my kids did this at about the same age. I would ask them everytime they told me something,"Is that a truth or a lie?" I made them think about it and they'd tell me...It's truth....and I'd verify. If it was a lie, Id call them on it, and they'd get a punishment. Usually their favorite toy gone for the day. Eventually they came to realize when they were telling the lies and when I would ask, is that truth or a lie? they would fess up. They're 6 and 8 now and I still ask them every so often just to keep em honest. My 8 year old actually confessed to not doing her schoolwork because she was mad one day. I explained that although I was proud of her telling the truth, she would have consequences for doing the wrong thing, but had she lied about it, the results would have been worse. I think I made her write her spelling words a few more times than usual.

Answer 7

A 3 year old probably doesn't understand the difference between pretend and real. When he tells a story, ask him is that pretend or is it real? He probably will say it's real. Don't call it a lie. With a smile tell him it's a great story, but that one is pretend, and what great stories he tells! When you read to him, always ask him if he thinks it is a real story or pretend. Make sure you read a little fiction and a little non-fiction to him so he really has choices. He won't be very good at this "game" at first but if you be patient and smile when you correct him, he will come to understand.

Answer 8

You need to have a discussion with your 3 year old. Explain truth and lies. Then explain that when he/she lies he/she will receive a punishment. It doesn't have to be severe. Short time outs work fine usually. This will usually do the trick.

With children of any age, the key is always:
1. Be clear and fair
2. Have rules
3. Have consequences to breaking rules
4. Be CONSISTENT and FOLLOW THROUGH on the consequences.

Step #4 is the most important and the one that most people mess up on. Good luck!

Answer 9

Lying is usually a phase that passes quickly. It it's a fantasy-type story that he's telling, then let him know you've enjoyed the story he MADE UP. If it's an out and out lie, then you need to teach him the difference between the truth and a lie. Tell him the age-old tale of the boy who cried wolf. That usually helps even toddlers to realize how important it is to always tell the truth.

I wish you well!

Answer 10

S/he's 3 for Pete's sake. It's normal. Imagination is a good thing, why make them feel bad? Kids dont' start lying to save their butt until later on......so if I were you, just to begin a healthy way to clarify between truth and lies......I'd just say, "That's a good make-believe story honey. It's good to be able to tell stories that aren't real and use your imagination. Can you now tell me a story that IS true?" Use it as an opportunity to develop verbal skills.......your child may be winning the award for creative writing in grade school someday!