Before I became a parent, I was convinced I would always be truthful with my children. The plan was to instill honesty and teach them how to handle disappointment. I thought that lying would ruin their lives and lead them down a dark path! Even during my twins’ baby phase, I held strong to this belief, shunning TV and sugar. However, as I navigate life with my nearly three-year-olds, my perspective has shifted dramatically. Television has become my trusted ally, and I’m not above using chocolate chips as a bargaining chip.
And yes, I tell my kids little fibs on a regular basis (no apologies here). It may not be ideal, but once I discovered how a few harmless lies could ease the chaos of raising two spirited toddlers, I embraced the strategy wholeheartedly.
1. It’s Out of Order
This classic is a lifesaver. When my little ones are begging for one more episode of their favorite show, I simply declare that the TV is “broken.” Want to press every button on the remote? Oh, sorry! That’s also broken. Planning to splash water everywhere? What a shame, looks like the faucet is out of order today. On days when I’m running on empty and just counting down to bedtime, many things in our home will mysteriously be “broken.”
2. It’s Coffee
When it comes to coffee, I don’t play around. My twins quickly grasped that coffee is hot and off-limits for them. So now, I leverage this knowledge. Iced tea? That’s coffee. Diet soda? Definitely coffee. Wine? Oh yes, that’s coffee too. Anything I don’t want them to have instantly transforms into “coffee.” I know they will figure it out eventually, but for now, it works wonders.
3. I’m Busy Working
As a freelance writer, I often work from home on my laptop. My husband once explained to the kids that they shouldn’t disturb me because I’m “working.” Since then, every time my daughter sees me at the computer, she asks, “Are you working, Mom?” And I reply, “Absolutely! Very important work happening here!” Can you come back in five minutes?
4. The Dog Wants You to
Having a dog is like having a mini boss in the house, and my kids adore her. So, I decided to use our family pet to my advantage. “Let’s go to your room—Penny wants to tuck you in for a nap!” or “Penny is barking because she thinks it’s time for a diaper change.” Okay, that last one hasn’t worked yet, but I’m still hopeful.
5. It’s Medicine
Recently, my kids have come to view medicine as the enemy, refusing to take it at any cost. So, I’ve turned this to my advantage. That box that looks like cookies? Nope, just medicine. That overpriced fudge I bought out of weakness? You guessed it—medicine! It may not be the most ethical tactic, but sometimes you just need to get through the day!
I might not be winning any parenting awards with these little lies, but I don’t feel guilty about it. The truth is, sometimes parenting means doing what it takes to survive the day.
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Summary
This article discusses the harmless white lies that parents often tell their toddlers to navigate daily challenges. From claiming that the TV is broken to using the family dog as a motivator, the author shares humorous insights into how these fibs make parenting a little easier. Ultimately, it highlights the necessity of doing what it takes to make it through the day without guilt.
Keyphrase: White lies in parenting
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