Becky and I were going through some old photos the other night and we found some pictures of when we were kids. We were laughing at the clothes we wore, and how back then, they were cool. Looking at the old pictures, we couldn’t help, but to tell stories.
One of the things we talked about was when our parents would tell us things that we knew just wasn’t true. After a a few minutes of sharing stories back and forth it hit me. I said… “Wait we do the same thing with the kids!” We all kind of lie just a little bit to our kids for convenience, for protection, for persuasion, or honestly just because we don’t want to deal with the situation!
Here are some Lies that we tell our kids,that we want to be true, but just aren’t!
1) “I can always tell when you lying to me”
I wish this was true. It would really help later during their teenage years. Most kids have some sort of nervous tendency when we are asked if they are telling the truth. Weather it is moving you shirt really fast and saying “my back itches,” like our son Beau (He does this every single time) or just looking away when someone is staring into your eyes. It is an uncomfortable situation to be in and I think we all do this a little when we are being put on the spot or having our character questioned.
2) “There is no such thing as Monsters”
In a fictional world like the stories we read to them, we are right about ‘no monsters’. There are no fire breathing dragons or Sully (from Monster’s Inc.) that are going to jump out of there closet. However, there are real life monsters that exist in the non-fictional world that we live in. It is our job to teach them about these real ones… when the time comes. In the meantime, we can keep those scary dreams away at night or even just play a game of Tickle Monster.
3) “Eat all your food, it will make you big and strong”
Yes its true, food provides us with the fuel we need. However, I really wish this was true and all my kids could be superheroes by eating some “magical” carrots. Truth be told, Becky is only 4’11. So the chances we will have NFL sized boys, is a bit of a stretch.
4) “Don’t question authority”
I alway grew up respecting those in positions of authority and we want this for our kids. Respect your elders, respect those who teach us, and respect those who protect us. However, as perfect as we want to be, or think we are, it is just impossible to be that way. Parents are not always right… neither are teachers, preachers, or or policemen. Questioning authority can be a good thing and the answer could be life changing for the world. (Think of Jesus Christ – almost everyone knows about him, but everything has been questioned… but sometimes those questions lead to great answers & lessons.)
5) “If your nice, people will be nice to you”
Being kind and sweet is something that all parents want for their kids.. We really want our kids to be loved by everyone. But you know what? Not everyone is nice in return. We all have feelings and they all can be hurt at some point. Luckily, as parents, we can change the world… one child at a time. It starts at home.
6) “Gambling is a bad thing”
When reckless, yes! However, rolling the dice and leaving some things up to chance can be a great thing. As kids, I had a friend that was a girl. For years we would go to the movies or the mall with a group of people and talk on the phone here and there like most kids in the 90’s did. One day at a baseball game in the summer a mutual friend of our said, “Hey you should ask her out… she likes you!” My response was “Nahhh… were just friends!”
Later that summer we were hanging at the local community pool. As I was leaving with some friends, I called here through the fence. She came running up the hill, kissed me on the cheek… and the rest is history! Years later you can say I played my cards right… Becky and I are still happily married!
Parents, we lie to our kids for good reason… most of the time. If it protects them, then keep up the good work!
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