Series of Interventions- Cheats, Lies, or Distorts the Truth

Problem Behaviors:
• Child will often make inaccurate statements or withhold the whole truth
• Child may make up stories or excuses or blame others

Suggestions:
• Speak with the child to explain the importance of telling the truth and reinforce the child for
making accurate statements
• Avoid placing the child in situations where they have the opportunity to lie or distort the truth
• When the child is successful at an academic or social activity, provide them with positive
feedback
• Reduce competitive situations where children might be forced to make inaccurate statements or cheat
• Evaluate the level of difficulty in relation to the child's ability to perform the task
• Make sure the child knows that he / she can ask questions when taking tests or doing activities
• Provide the child with opportunities to share truthful information
• Avoid making accusations that might prompt the child to lie
• Remove punishment for accidental behavior or for telling the truth
o Punishment in these situations often prompts the child to lie or not tell the complete truth
• Help the child to learn that telling the truth as soon as possible prevents future problems for the child
• Don’t buy into the child’s excuses, stories, or lies
• Allow natural consequences to occur when child cheats, lies, denies, or exaggerates the truth

Adapted from Pasco County Schools for home use