Dear Dr. Meg,

I have a 9-year-old daughter who is lying about schoolwork.  She is very sweet and kind to her friends and is a good student.  She does not like to do “seatwork” and rushes through then lies about doing her best.  She is creative by natures so I understand these types of task bore her, but we cannot tolerate lying.  We have had MANY conversations about this being a sin and that the consequence is more work in the end.   There seems to be a disconnect between her actions and the consequence that results.  I feel like I am constantly disciplining her. Help!

Signed,

One Tired Momma

Dear OTM,

You are struggling with an issue that many parents encounter. I want you to remember something; simply because you are repeating yourself does not mean that what you are doing isn’t working. You have one stubborn little girl on your hands.

Lying is a tricky issue to handle with kids (I think they know this too.) We can become afraid to discipline for it because we fear that if we do, then we will encourage kids to lie even more. But, we cannot allow lying to be accepted because every…