It’s the most rewarding, incredible, crazy, and exhausting journey any human being can undertake.
Some are total white lie, some are bad, and some are just downright hilarious.
Without further ado, here they are.
“I hear this statement a lot,” sharedRebekah Springs, LMFT.
“But as I dig deeper it is apparent that no parent actually loves each child the same!
And the truth is, kids don’t even buy this statement!”
So what do you do instead of give the safe old line as an answer?
It’s a win-win!
But be considerate of the context.
Yup, somehow kids always seem to pick up on things, even when you attempt to hide them.
Springs recommends a more direct approach, instead of avoiding the topic altogether.
That way you have a more concrete resolution.
But is that the best option?
“But the truth is, even toddlers can know facts about bodies and procreation.
If they’re old enough to ask, they’re old enough to know at least the basics.”
When they say children are sponges, they really mean it, huh?
They don’t miss a thing.
It’s also good to confirm that you’re not projecting your anxieties into things.
There’s just no end to the homework!
But according toMelissa Kramer, LCSW, you have to help them learn how to earn success for themselves.
Finding that balance is critical, then, in helping your child realize their ambitions.
As Kramer toldThe List,what really matters in this situation is the intent of the adult.
On the other hand, telling your children that Santa is always watching them isn’t the best idea.
“This is true for the Elf on the Shelf as well.
It’s actually creepy to think a strange old man or a mythical creature is watching your child.
As innocent as it may seem, it’s the stuff that can breed nightmares in some children.”
That could definitely ruin the holiday!
At times like that, of course you want to get to the bottom of things.
“Parents actually have this one wrong,” noted Robinson-Celeste.
Instead, Robinson-Celeste says that parents need to be sincere on this front.
Plus you want to check that your kids can trust you, especially if something serious is going on!
Every parent is tempted to say it, especially when the kids are acting particularly foolish.
But Robinson-Celeste toldThe Listthat, of course, that’s not the case they’re just learning.
So try not to be too much of a Debbie downer when their noses find the windows.
Of course, as adults we remember our parents selling this fib.
“I still kind of believe it though.
That’s definitely one way of thinking about it!
There’s no such thing as too many family portraits with yellow two-dimensional suns and v-birds, right?
“Even if you have no idea what they drew, it’s crucial that you pretend you do.
There’s a little artist in each child, right?”
Indeed, and it’s important to nurture that creative development.
There’s nothing to be upset about
We get it.
Being an adult means you have adult problems, which can often be overwhelming.
But that’s not the best way to handle the situation.
“The truth is, itisa big deal to her,” Bilek continued.
This will hurt me more than it will hurt you.
“No it won’t [hurt you more].
It’s going to hurt them.
I don’t care what it is.”
Person understands why parents are prone to telling this lie, too.
“We’re observing, not experiencing.
It does not hurt us more.”
“Raising children is tough.
And you don’t get an instruction booklet along with the newborn,” Bilek toldThe List.
Ain’t that the truth?
We wish someone would write one, because we’d sure buy it.
“You may not be 100% sure which car seat is best.”
Or brand of cereal.
Or anything, really.
There are definitely more emotionally healthy ways to help the young men in your life develop more fully.
That way your little man will grow up with all parts of himself intact.
“That teaches kids they can’t trust you to be honest with them.”
So what’s the best way to handle it, then?
“You’re much better off saying the truth,” Whitney continued.
“Yes, it’ll hurt, but only for a second.
By the time you feel it, the shot will be over.”
That way you’ve got the option to calm your kid without being caught in a lie.
Who knew your stomach was capable of such magical feats?
“I’m sure parents say this to keep children from choking,” Robinson-Celeste added.
Whatever gets the job done!
