I always tell my children that it’s wrong to lie because I know that it is wrong to lie to someone – especially someone who love and who trusts you.
But are there any lies that are OK, that aren’t really as wrong as others?
My children know that if ever they have done anything naughty, then a punishment will be so much worse if they lie to me about doing it and on the whole, I’m pretty sure that they don’t lie to me. In fact, I sometimes think that they give me too much information! 😉
But, I lie to them – I won’t ever lie to a direct question and my belief that it’s wrong to lie means that I would never lie about something important but still, is a lie just a lie no matter what?
There’s the whole Santa, Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy thing for starters – which I guess the majority will think are acceptable little white lies but there are others smaller lies….
It is brown bread but I paid extra to get the brown bread that tastes like white bread!
Said to encourage Master Frugal to eat his brown bread.
SUCCESS
There are absolutely no vegetables in this!
Again to encourage fussy eater Master Frugal to eat something different.
FAIL
I have no idea where your favourite jumper is.
Said whilst standing in the bin so Miss Frugal couldn’t see the sleeve of her favourite (but now old and quite scruffy) top hanging out.
SUCCESS
Yes. We’re almost there, just hold it in a little longer.
Said when I have absolutely no clue where the nearest toilet is.
SUCCESS
Of course I know how to do decimal fractions. Don’t worry about a thing, I’ll help you tomorrow.
Said to a frantic Miss Frugal whilst an even more frantic me opened the laptop and Googled how to do decimal fractions.
SUCCESS
This is so delicious
Said whilst eating a not very delicious tasting cupcake that Miss Frugal made.
FAIL as she made more
I think my lies are acceptable – all for a good reason, about nothing major and won’t hurt anyone or affect anyone but what do you think?
Is it ever OK to lie to your children?
