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Suggest Ways To Deal With Sneaky And Deceitful Behavior In A Child

Posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2017

Question: Hi I am a grandma raising my 10 year old granddaughter and I was wondering what a consequence would be for lying. I caught her in a ly and grounded her from tv and computer for two days, I then told her if she lied again I would take her out of cheer leadinf. Is this to harsh when the team expects her there.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Harsh punishment might have negative consequences.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM

I can understand your concern but you have to accept that she is a child and any harsh punishment might lead to negative consequences. If she lied to you for something then better to talk with her directly in empathetic and polite manner. This will build a sense of confidence in her and she will not repeat the things again.

She has already been grounded from TV and computer for two days and I think this is sufficient for her mistake. In future if possible, in such situations better to talk with her directly, tell her that lying is wrong and might land her in difficult situations. She should be taught that she had done wrong. Punishment is not a solution.

Thanks. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 hours later)

Yes I tried that but only a week later she had lied again about something that is better if she had just told me.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Just avoid harsh punishment.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again

You have to understand that she is not an adult. She is not in age to understand what is clearly right or wrong. Just remain positive and please avoid any harsh punishment. Fear of punishment even if she tells truth might be the reason she is telling lie. For some days try to become her friend and she will improve herself, definitely.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

Thank you I will try

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and Take care

Detailed Answer:
Thanks and Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee