4yo and lying/negative behavior...

[jackass]

Some kids grow out of it, some don't. Keep up the punishments as eventually it will sink in. Your being consistant and that's the only way to break that behavior.

I agree with Gaffer. Consistancy on your part!

[Said1]

Nienna's idea about putting her in charge is good, I've used that one myself. Did you try telling her that if she keeps lying, no one will believe her when someone really does hit her a la the boy who cried wolf? I've used that, it actually worked much better than I ever thought it would. I even caught one little girl who was really bad for telling fibs about being hit. The fight started over a crayon, when she couldn't get what she wanted, she said the other girl hit her. I saw the entire thing, no hitting whatsoever. it was really funny because the accused child and the others were laughing at her, she never lied again. At least not at my house. These girls were a bit older, but the little trouble maker was the same age, 4.

[KitchenKitten99]

Nienna's idea about putting her in charge is good, I've used that one myself. Did you try telling her that if she keeps lying, no one will believe her when someone really does hit her a la the boy who cried wolf? I've used that, it actually worked much better than I ever thought it would. I even caught one little girl who was really bad for telling fibs about being hit. The fight started over a crayon, when she couldn't get what she wanted, she said the other girl hit her. I saw the entire thing, no hitting whatsoever. it was really funny because the accused child and the others were laughing at her, she never lied again. At least not at my house. These girls were a bit older, but the little trouble maker was the same age, 4.

I have told her about the 'cry wolf' thing, and have even gone so far as to when I know she is telling the truth about something, I tell her I don't know if I believe her because she has lied before. But that has not worked, at least it doesn't appear to have done.

Putting her in charge is hard, because she's already real bossy (typical firstborn). I am afraid she'll take it too far. I have put her in charge of stuff before (unrelated stuff) and she got so bossy and selfish it really seemed like it just backfired. She already tries to tell the other kids what to do, and goes so far as to try to physically make them do something they don't want to do. So how do I put her in charge without her getting out of control with it?

[Nienna]

I have told her about the 'cry wolf' thing, and have even gone so far as to when I know she is telling the truth about something, I tell her I don't know if I believe her because she has lied before. But that has not worked, at least it doesn't appear to have done.

Putting her in charge is hard, because she's already real bossy (typical firstborn). I am afraid she'll take it too far. I have put her in charge of stuff before (unrelated stuff) and she got so bossy and selfish it really seemed like it just backfired. She already tries to tell the other kids what to do, and goes so far as to try to physically make them do something they don't want to do. So how do I put her in charge without her getting out of control with it?

Hey! I'm a firstborn, and I was NEVER that bossy! :halo:

Maybe try giving her fetching tasks. I do that with my boys, and explain how I am counting on them to bring me --- . But, honestly, I don't know if that would change her behavior. Just maybe keep her busy for awhile, so that when she is finally "free" she appreciates her time more and plays nicely. I'm thinking it is really a parenting thing, and there isn't much you can do besides what you are already doing. So hang in there!

Go, Fuzzy, Go!