Do you have this discipline problem? Is your tattle tale kid driving you crazy? Do you know why your child tattles? In this blog we'll look at four reasons why most kids tattle. In future blogs we'll discuss how to discipline your tattle tale.
You tell your child, "Don't tattle. "Tell me only when there is danger." But your child doesn't understand the difference between tattling and danger. Maybe your child doesn't care. He has different motives for being a tattle tale. Do any of these motives fit your tattle tale?
Four Tattle Tale Motives and Discipline:
- Attention ~ Perhaps your Lori wants your attention. She tattles to prove to herself and her brother, Ralph, that she's your favorite. If you punish her brother, she'll know you love her best. First ask yourself, 'Is Lori tattling to get my attention? If so, don't jump in asking her brother, "Did you do that?" What could you do instead?
- Power ~ You recognize that your David loves power. He tattles to prove he's the boss of his little sister. If he can get you to make his sister do what he wants, he'll be even more powerful. Ask yourself, "Is David tattling to make his sister do what he wants? Does he want power over his little sister? If your answer is "Yes," what could you do about David's tattling?
- Revenge ~ Jackie doesn't like her younger brother, Bobby. She thinks he's your favorite. She won't talk to him. She tattles whenever he plays with her things. When you yell, "Bobby, give it back!" Jackie smiles. Before jumping in, ask yourself, "Is Jackie acting out of revenge? Does she like getting Bobby in trouble? If so, what will you do?
- Weakness ~ Keagen's older brother, Kyle, call's him a "crybaby." Keagen cries to get what he wants from Kyle. If Kyle says, "No," Keagen runs to you to tattle. Because Keagen's younger, you remind Kyle to treat Keagen nicely. Inside are you sick of Keagen's whining, tattling, and crying? If so, ask yourself 2 things. "Is Keagen getting what he wants by acting weak? Am I being unfair with Kyle?"
In our next blog, we'll look at suggestions and solutions when your Lori tattles for your attention. In the meantime, share your own solutions for stopping Lori from tattling. Our future blogs will deal with the other tattle tales.
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