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Kids need honest AND appropriate answers when they ask tough questions about our adult struggles.
Pretending nothing is there is dismissive, but sharing it all in full adult version is intrusive.
Attuned response focuses on your child's needs, not your own, keeping the relationship right-side up, you in the parent role, taking care of their heart.
Model for them your own consent process, and help them deeply understand the nuance of desire
In this video, learn three practical tips for helping children learn honesty, including recognizing and managing your own anxiety, understanding that lying is normal and has a range of nuances, and creating an environment of empathy and understanding for messiness.
The difference between consequences and punishment is important to understand, as consequences are the natural outcome of an action and necessary for learning, while punishments are intentional pain inflicted to control behavior, which can damage the parent-child relationship and hinder a child's growth towards internal security.