Lying is an instinctual thing for people. I've always believed this. It is part of our internal defense mechanism. I believe that the moral obligation to tell the truth has to be taught. I refuse to live under the illusion that my child would never lie to me. I just never realized that the deception would begin so early in life.
Last night, after the teeth were brushed, diaper changed, pajamas on, and stories were read, Adrian and Linus were in the final stage of the bedtime routine when Linus began gesturing wildly. He would sign diaper change and point enthusiastically at the changing table. He did this again and again until my husband finally said to him, "Do you need your diaper changed?" Linus, all angelic faced, smiled ever so sweetly and signed "Yes." My husband proceeded with the sniff check. Smelling nothing, he asked again. Linus repeated the sign for yes. Not to be outdone, Adrian informed him that if his diaper was not dirty, he would be going straight into the crib with no more singing or rocking and asked again. Linus once more signaled that his diaper was indeed dirty and they moved to the changing table.
Upon removing the sleep sack, pajama pants and diaper, the deception was discovered. His britches were bone dry. With a growl, Adrian quickly dressed the con man and plunked him into his crib. There were some screams of protest but acceptance and sleep came quickly.
So, for those of you keeping score, mark the age 1 year, 8 months, and 27 days as the time of the first lie. I'm sure we're in for a few more whoppers in the years to come.
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7 comments:
Anything to ward off the inevitable bedtime. That turkey!
I think actual lying needs the intellectual ability to know the difference between what is actually true and what we just want to be true... but all three of my kids are capable of telling me just SHOCKING and very deliberate whoppers.
Maybe just a delaying tactic? Hate to think we have a con-man on our hands already!!! gramma B.
LOL!! That was great. I should have recorded Little Dude's first lie, though I do remember what it was-he put some unwanted veggies on his dad's plate and then kept insisting he had not done it...sigh.
This is so funny, because I was just thinking that lying would be the topic of my next blog post. Lily has become quite the seasoned liar already! Not sure how Bill and I plan to handle it, discipline-wise, but right now we just look at each other and laugh.
We struggle with this, too -- Junius is famous for lying with a straight face, even as we catch him in the act. Teaching "truth" is a tough concept.
LOLOL ohhhhhh boy you're in trouble..... :P
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