Caught my son lying about homework and I lost it

Mar 21 min read

So my 8yo told me he finished his homework when he clearly didn't. Found out from his teacher. I immediately got angry and yelled at him, then sent him to his room. My wife later asked me if that's how Jesus would have handled it and man, that hit different. I've been preaching integrity and honesty to my kids but how did I respond? With anger and shame. We talked about it that night and I apologized to him. Told him I messed up too and that we'd work through this together. Trying to be better about actually living what I teach instead of just talking about it. This parenting thing keeps humbling me.

6 comments239 views

Comments(6)

PPaul K.New DadMar 4

The lying hits different when you weren't expecting it. I get the immediate frustration. Just remember that he's still learning and this is a teaching moment, not a character flaw. He'll bounce back from this.

CCarl W.RegularMar 2

Dude, losing it happens to all of us. What matters now is how you rebuild trust with him. Maybe frame it as a team effort going forward instead of punishment - ask him what he needs from you to actually get homework done.

SSawyer N.RegularMar 2

Been there man, that moment of finding out they lied stings. The yelling is natural but you catching yourself and talking to him about it after is what matters most. My oldest did the same thing at 8 and we had to work through why he thought lying was easier than just telling me he needed help.

JJosh E.RegularMar 2

First time dealing with this stuff too and man, it's harder than I expected. The lying thing will test your patience but you're already thinking about it which means you're doing better than you think.

KKevin M.RegularMar 2

Oh man, that's such a tough moment. The anger is real when you feel like they're testing you, but I've learned that eight year olds are still figuring out a lot. Maybe have a calmer conversation about why he felt like he needed to lie?

CCarlosNew DadMar 3

I've been there. It stings more because you want to trust them. But this is actually a good moment to teach him about honesty and consequences. How'd the conversation go after you cooled down?