What To Do With A Teenager Who Lies

If you want to have a good relationship in the home, trust is the key. If you have a teenager that continuously is lying to you about even the smallest things. What am I supposed to do with a teenager who lies? I mean you really want to be able to trust them but that is a very hard thing to do when every time you turn around you find out that they are not telling you the truth about whatever the situation may be. I know it is a frustrating situation and is not to be taken lightly. I am going to make a list of what you can do with a teenager that lies I hope this will help you through this tough time.

What Does Lying Cause

• You can lose out on going different places with friends
• You will get punished for it in some way
• loosing out on privileges that you have
• Your parents will not trust you, in turn you may not be able to do things that you enjoy
• No one will trust you
• Fighting with parents and or other household members

Reasons Why Teens Lie

1. Teens may lie to make themselves look better about different issues. The teenager may be trying to impress another teen or lie to get someone just to like them that much more.
2. If they have done something wrong they may lie to keep from getting in to trouble with you, someone else or even the law
3. Teens may lie to see just how much they can push their luck with different boundaries. Whether is is a cry for attention or not. They may think you are telling them a lie about something or just to test to see the love between you two
4. A teenager might be lying to you because of something that has angered them. It might be something you, someone else or even a friend did to them. They are hiding something really bad that has occurred and the only way they know how to deal with the situation is to make up different lies.
5. Lying may happen so a teenager can get what they want. Such as being asked if they completed school work, chores or watched their siblings. The teen has told you yes and now they get allowance and go out to do as they please.

What Can I Do With My Teen Who Lies

1. If the child is caught in a lie you will want to talk to them first about what they have done and how it is not okay to lie about things. If you are mad then wait till you are calm. Never approach a situation with angry words. If this is the first time they have lied talk to them and explain that you will not stand for this and that it is going to be the teens first warning. You will not repeat this again. The next time further actions will be taken.
2. Do not get stuck on the what if they are not lying thought. You of all people should know your teen the best. Now they need to be reprimanded for their actions. Depending on how big or small the lie is and what it had to do with should determine the punishment fit for the crime done. For example if the teen lied about why there were late home then for the next 2 days they do not go out. Or if it a more sever like sneaking out then grounding them for a week of going out fits right. Lying about doing homework and not doing it they should lose video games, phone, computer or other things they enjoy doing.
3. Find the root of the problem if you find they are lying about everything and anything that they can. Have a discussion and tell them that you are there to support them but you have to know what is going on to be able to help fix the problem
4. If your child is telling you the truth about different issues make sure to praise them all you can
5. Give the teen a bit of time to see if they will confess and tell you the truth. Some teens get a guilty conscious and wind up telling on themselves.
6. When a teen has lied it is very important that they apologize for their actions to whom ever it has affected.

Please do not take lying lightly. Teens need to be aware of what they are doing. It is not like they are small children that do not understand the concept of lying. They are young adults and they do know better. So they need to be treated as one. Teenagers are at that age where they are aware of what they are doing and might just be trying to take advantage of your kindness and easy going manner. Do not let this happen.