Have you ever told your kid that Santa won’t come if they stay awake? Or that the spinach in the soup is just basil? Parenting expert Amy Morrison explains that while being honest is important, sometimes parents use little white lies to make life easier.
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These small fabricated lies can be harmless, and even helpful, and Reddit users have shared some of them. Here are 11 of these tips that might help if you don’t mind manipulating your kids.
The Magic of the Sleep Fairy
If your child struggles with sleeping alone, you can introduce “The Sleep Fairy.” One parent made a small treasure box and told their son the Sleep Fairy would leave a gift each night he slept in his own bed. The boy looked forward to these surprises, which included small toys and candies.
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After a month, the Sleep Fairy left a goodbye note, praising him for his progress. This clever idea not only helped him sleep alone but also created a special memory. He still keeps the treasure box in his room!
Vacuuming Ghosts Away
Getting your child to do chores can be tough, but you can make it fun by telling them a story. One parent told their child that vacuums suck up ghosts, which is why haunted houses are always dusty.
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This made the child want to vacuum regularly to keep ghosts away. Ten years later, this little white lie turned the kid into a neat freak. This shows how a bit of imagination can turn a boring task into a fun activity and help you keep the house clean.
Subtitles for Reading Improvement
Improving your child’s reading skills can be as simple as turning on TV subtitles. During the lockdown, one parent noticed their child reading much better just by watching shows with subtitles.
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This easy method not only improved reading but also made TV time educational. It’s a win-win that keeps kids entertained while helping them learn. Plus, subtitles can also help with learning new languages.
Toy Rotation for New Excitement
Keeping your kids interested in their toys can be hard, but “toy rotation” is a smart trick. When your child gets bored of their toys, pack them up and bring out different ones from storage.
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This makes old toys feel new again, creating excitement and fun. Rotating toys every month or two keeps playtime fresh without having to buy new toys all the time. This method saves money and keeps your child happy, making every day feel like Christmas.
Staying Calm When Kids Fall
Kids are going to fall and get hurt, but how you react can change everything. If you stay calm, your child is more likely to stay calm, too. Children look to you for cues on how to react.
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By not panicking, you teach them to handle minor bumps and scrapes better. But remember, if they are really hurt, be sure to comfort them. This approach helps your child learn to stay calm and deal with small accidents on their own.
Avoiding House Chores
If you need some quiet time, you can tell your kids to wake you in an hour so you can start cleaning together. Kids will often do anything to avoid chores, including letting you rest undisturbed. This trick gives you some peace and quiet while your kids find ways to entertain themselves.
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It’s a clever way to manage household tasks and reduce your stress. While it might not be the most honest method, it helps both you and your kids get some much-needed downtime.
The Red Ears Trick
To catch your child in a lie, you can tell them that their ears turn red when they lie, but only parents can see it. One parent used this trick and noticed their daughter covering her ears when she was about to lie. This made it easy to spot dishonesty.
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It’s a funny and effective way to teach your child the value of honesty. While not completely ethical, it cleverly helps kids understand the importance of telling the truth in a memorable way.
Stopping Crying with Laughter
Turning tears into laughter can be a game-changer. One mom said she would quickly cover and uncover her crying child’s mouth, making a funny noise that instantly calmed them down.
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The child would laugh and forget why they were upset. This shows that a little humor can go a long way in parenting, making difficult moments easier to handle and more fun for both of you!
Giving Limited Choices
When your child doesn’t want to do something, give them a choice where both options lead to the desired outcome. For example, when bath time is over, ask if they want to climb out themselves or be lifted out. This trick makes your child feel in control while ensuring they do what’s needed.
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It’s a smart way to handle stubbornness, turning potential conflicts into cooperation. By offering limited choices, you guide them to the desired behavior without a fight and help them feel more independent.
Noise-Muffling for Stress Relief
Dealing with a crying baby can be overwhelming. One parent found relief by wearing noise-muffling earmuffs, like the ones used at a gun range. This reduced the stress of the loud crying, allowing them to focus on soothing and loving their baby.
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Some people might think this is strange, but it’s a practical way to manage stress. By blocking out the noise, you can stay calm and patient, improving your ability to care for your child.
Safety Lies for Seatbelts
Getting your kids to wear seatbelts can be tough, but one parent told their children the car wouldn’t start unless everyone’s seatbelt was buckled. This little white lie made sure the kids always wore their seatbelts, keeping them safe without a fuss.
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By making it a game or rule, you can instill good habits early on and teach kids the importance of using seatbelts.
