Caught my 7yo lying about homework and lost it

2w ago1 min read

So my son told me he finished his math but he didnt and I just went off on him. I mean really went off. Yelling, the whole deal. Then I felt the Holy Spirit just punch me in the gut because here I am preaching about honesty and I literally just lied to my wife yesterday about how much I spent on fishing gear. How can I expect him to walk the walk when I'm not doing it myself? Its humbling man. Had to apologize to him and we talked about how we all mess up but we gotta try to do better. These moments show me Im doing this parenting thing all wrong if I dont actually live out what I say.

7 comments140 views

Comments(7)

WWalter T.Regular2w ago

Seven year olds test boundaries and we blow our tops sometimes. At least you recognized it and can talk to him about it tomorrow when you're both calmer.

TTonyNew Dad2w ago

Bedtime in my house gets intense too when the lying comes out. Sounds like you caught yourself though, and that's what counts with the kids.

VVince R.Regular2w ago

The fact that you felt it and are reflecting on it already means something. We all lose it sometimes, that's real parenting. How you handle it next matters more.

NNolan D.Regular2w ago

Don't beat yourself up too much. Kids need to learn that lying has consequences but they also need to know their dad still loves them after he's angry. The fact you're reflecting on it means you'll handle the next one better.

CChris T.Regular2w ago

What matters is how you handle it next. Apologize if you went too hard, explain why honesty matters, and figure out what made him think lying was the better option. That's the real parenting moment.

CChristopherRegular2w ago

We've all been there. The lying about homework hit different than other stuff. After I cooled off, I realized my 8yo was just scared to tell me he didn't understand the assignment. Now we check in together before he says it's done.

CChris T.Regular2w ago

The homework thing is tough because it feels personal like he's being disrespectful. But usually there's something else going on. Is he struggling with the math? Trying to avoid something? Might be worth digging into that instead of just the lying part.