Ten white lies you should tell your children - from TV curfew to bad cakes
A child psychologist has shared the white lies that are acceptable to tell your kids in order to make your life run more smoothly.
Dr Alison McClymont believes making up certain fibs isn't necessarily bad parenting, and said you should be telling white lies roughly 34 times a day. In fact, this can further spark creativity, more rest for both the adult and child, and create an all-round healthier lifestyle, according to the psychologist. Parents can start putting in the practice for these ten lies straight away, with Dr Alison reassuring the nation that they are "extremely beneficial".
Your artwork is amazing
Dr Alison said it is impossible for every piece of artwork your child makes to make a space on the wall or fridge, however, their efforts should still be praised. She believes complimenting your child will naturally help their drawing skills improve over time. She said developing creativity promotes "self-confidence, imagination and expression.” She added: "Art is a positive, worthwhile endeavour and should always be celebrated, regardless of whether it resembles Picasso or not."
This cake tastes horrible, are you sure you want it?
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Although it might seem mean, this white lie could produce several benefits including your child feeling more energetic after swapping cakes out for healthier food choices. The psychologist said there is nothing wrong with pushing your child towards eating their five-a-day. "Instilling the idea that some food is better for our bodies than others while refraining from weight-related comments, is a good idea," she said.
I’m going to bed as well
Bedtime can be so unpredictable, but more times than not, a tantrum is pending ahead of an early night. Dr Alison suggests telling your child that you'll also be going to bed so your child doesn't feel like they are missing out. She explained: “Saying you’re going to bed as well will encourage healthier sleep patterns and much-needed rest for their developing mind.”
Every subject in school is important
Although some subjects seem boring or unuseful after leaving school, the psychologist said it is vital to stress the importance of learning. She said the approach will encourage pupils to work harder and achieve the best grades possible. “All of life is a lesson and to promote a love of learning for learning’s sake is extremely beneficial," she added.
Car won’t start until everyone has their seat belt on
Dr Alison said pretending the car doesn't start unless all seat belts are fastened will teach kids about road safety and speed up the school run. She said this lie can make using a seat belt into an unconscious habit. Not only does this white lie speed up the morning school run, it also teaches kids about car safety and will make using a seat belt become "second nature.”
Playing your Xbox after 8pm is against the law
Telling your child that it is illegal to play the Xbox after 8pm is a good way to help them reduce screen time, according to Dr Alison. She has reassured parents that the simple lie could even help children pursue other hobbies. She said a curfew for screens is a "necessity" and explained: "It’s good to encourage restorative sleep, which is sabotaged by too much ‘blue light’ technology, especially gaming."
We can’t watch Frozen because Elsa and Anna are on holiday
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Dr Alison said children need to understand they can't have what they want all the time. By putting restrictions in place, they will learn about moderation. She further said it will help children find other ways to entertain themselves instead of engaging in repetitive behaviour. “This encourages other exploits that don’t require screens and asks your child to find another type of play that inspires other forms of expression," she said.
You can do anything you set your mind to
The psychologist believes it is important to help your children set goals and to help them understand that working hard makes ideas achievable. “This white lie promotes motivation, self-confidence, self-belief and most importantly, resilience," she explained.
Your finger will get stuck up your nose
Dr Alison believes this little lie will prevent children from picking up unpleasant behaviours. She also said it would improve their manners and explained it is good to "nip these habits in the bud."
Your teeth will fall out if you don't brush your teeth
Dr Alison shared that although teeth can't automatically fall out, the small scare can help turn this hygiene step into a habit. “It’s much more important that we get our children to brush their teeth rather than worry too much about the ‘white lie’ we’ve told,” she explained.
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