Help! How Can I Build Character in My Tattletale?

Character and tattletale kids are like a lion and a weasel wrestling in a gunny sack. Somehow they don't fit together. Just pretend for a moment that you could get your child to stop from tattling on brothers, sisters, friends, and even your spouse. How would you do it? Inside you'll find 4 questions to consider and a few tips.

4 Character Building Questions:

1. What positives is my child getting from tattling?
2. Is he getting attention?
3. Is he getting power?
4. Is he getting revenge?

Attention, power, and revenge are 3 major reasons children misbehave. Tattling is misbehaving. One of its common intentions is to get others in trouble. But why would your lovely child want to get anyone in trouble? I bet you'll notice the answer usually goes back to wanting attention, power, or revenge.

Character Building Tips:

1. Observe – Watch your child. When you allow yourself to take the time to observe, you'll understand why he's tattling.
2. Ask – How can my child get attention without tattling?
3. Motivate – Frequently give your child honest praise like, "Kyle, you could have told me your sister was talking with her mouth full but you didn't. I'm pleased that you kept it to yourself."
4. Discuss – Talk about the effect that tattling has on others. "Jessica, how do you like kids to tattle on you? How do you think others feel when you tell on them? What is the difference between tattling and sharing something really important?"
5. Read – Ask your local librarian for some children's stories that deal with tattling. Read and discuss those stories together.

Character and the Tattletale Conclusion:

Help your child get out of the gunny sack. Help him develop the heart of a lion and stop wrestling with his desire for attention, revenge, or power by tattling. Praise him for sharing what's important and for keeping silent about what isn't. If you do, he'll become a person of character and kids will like him better too.

Your Personal Invitation:

How do you stop your child from tattling? Please leave a suggestion, question, or comment at Jean Tracy's Email or click on Comments below.

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