Tattling annoys adults. And it doesn’t usually help kids (even though they always think it will!). Here is one way to cut way down on the tattling!
Tattling annoys adults. And it doesn’t usually help kids (even though they always think it will!). Here is one way to cut way down on the tattling!
We raised 4 children. The two we had the most difficulty with regarding tattling was the oldest two. Our daughter would tattle on her older brother (older by 3 years) saying he had hit her etc. Now, we began seeing a pattern of it appearing she had done something to instigate it and upon us giving our son consequences us seeing a grin or smirk on her face–thus our getting the impression she was ‘setting him up’…..would do something to irritate him until he blew up and pushed, hit, shoved, etc. her. So, we decided to give both of them the same consequence (usually not very significant–a half hour in their room–they were at this time perhaps 7yo and 10yo). First, it did not take long for our son to appear to become a much better behaved brother. Secondly, a bit later our daughter ‘fessed up’ that she was indeed egging him on so he would do something she could use to get him into trouble–which she enjoyed.
You did such a great job. A teacher I really respect told me that most stories kids tell their parents about being wronged would, if the child were totally honest, start with “It all started when he hit me back!” Of course kids don’t look at the big picture. Thank goodness you did!