5 Lies Every Parent Should Tell Their Kids
I have a mommy friend who doesn't believe in sugar-coating
anything with her kids. Before they hit kindergarten, they were up on
every single danger that lurked beyond their front door. And mythical,
make-believe icons like the Tooth Fairy -- forget about
it. When they lose a tooth, they have the option to save it or drop it
down the drain. Her take: kids need to be prepared for the real world.
Why delay it with silly fantasies.
I'll admit, her philosophy will save her from the inevitable breakdown that happens when children finally realizes there is no Santa. But I'd rather my little ones live in ignorant bliss for as along as they can. I'm not saying fib about everything -- just a few very specific things.
Here are 5 lies parents should tell your kid:
- Santa DOES exist. Every kid should believe St. Nick, the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and every other wonderful, magical creature that does nice things for them is real. Soon enough they'll be smacked with the fact that very few people do anything nice for free.
- It doesn't matter if you win or lose. This is about teamwork and good sportsmanship. Of course it's bull crap but they don't need to know that until after high school. As adults, it's all about winning -- winning that promotion, winning that eBay auction, and so on.
- There are no such things as monsters. Fact of the matter is, they do exist. They are just of the Jerry Sandusky variety rather than Freddy Krueger.
- Honesty is the best policity. Oh the irony. While this old adage is true, we grown-ups know it's not possible to be truthful all the time. Kids shouldn't lie but we have to. Are you really going to tell your boss he's incompetent or a party host that her dinner was disgusting?
- Love is more important than money. Well, love doesn't pay the rent and you definitely can't eat it. So while love should be more important than money, the almighty dollar is just as key to survival. But kids don't need to know that until college!
Do you believe in telling kids little white lies?
What fibs have you told your child?
1.) Daddy is just going to a long work. I tell them this when he deploys, as far as they are concerned he is going to work and he will be gone a long time, end of story, not need to give them anything else to worry about.
2.) I don't tell them this but do not correct them when they say it, Mommy and Daddy will protect us. You are darn right we will. Sure there are some things that I cannot protect them from, but I have taught them safety measures so I can protect them to the best of my ability, And the unwaivering faith we will make it alright, let them believe that their is world is safe. When this is no longer true I will address it then.
I tell my kids those 5 lies because I believe they are the truth.
1. There was a bunch of men through history who have acted like Santa. I believe in the Christmas spirit. I dont believe it is dead and I hope my kids always believe like that.
2. It really doesnt matter if you win or lose having fun is the most important thing. If you cant play for fun dont do it.
3. I do tell my kids there are no such thing as monsters. Man can be horrible.
4. Do not lie. Being honest is the most important thing. If you cant be honest then dont say anything.
5. Love is more important than money, but you do have to have money. If you have love you will work to make it work.
My kids were told that Daddy was fighting the bad guys when he deployed. I dont lie to them even then. They need to know the truth. But I always told them no matter what Daddy will come back.
Quoting JulesFairy:
1.) Daddy is just going to a long work. I tell them this when he deploys, as far as they are concerned he is going to work and he will be gone a long time, end of story, not need to give them anything else to worry about.
2.) I don't tell them this but do not correct them when they say it, Mommy and Daddy will protect us. You are darn right we will. Sure there are some things that I cannot protect them from, but I have taught them safety measures so I can protect them to the best of my ability, And the unwaivering faith we will make it alright, let them believe that their is world is safe. When this is no longer true I will address it then.
Age appropriate chores
- Cafe MichelleP
on Jul. 16, 2012 at 10:36 AM