All kids lie.
Charlie told his first one about a year ago when he was 3.
Watching a toddler tell a fib is one of the most entertaining parts of parenting. They haven’t perfected the art like most adults. Lies like “No I didn’t spill water on the floor” are pretty transparent. They crack pretty easy too.
Dad: “Did you spill the water Charlie.”
Charlie: “Yes.”
Wow that was easy.
I didn’t expect it to be any different tonight.
At about 8 o’clock, I put Charlie in the tub. He was playing with his favorite bath toys and chatting away, when all the sudden he kinda paused and got this awkward look on his face. I knew it. He just pee’d in the tub.
Dad: “Charlie, did you pee in the bathtub”
Charlie: “No”
Dad: “Charlie, I just saw you pee in the tub”
Charlie: “No, I dint pee in the tub.”
Dad: “Yes, you did. Are you lying to me?”
Charlie: “No, I not lying”
Dad (in a more dad-like tone): “Charlie, you just pee’d in the tub, and you are lying to me.”
Charlie: “I NOT PEE IN THE TUB. I NOT LYING”
I know he did it. I could tell. But he wouldn’t crack. This has NEVER happened. I didn’t want him to get away with lying (even though it’s a pretty minor thing). So, what to do, what to do.
So, I consult the wife — a plan emerges.
Dad: “Charlie, did you pee in the tub?”
Charlie: “No.”
Dad (holding a little vial of water): “Charlie, I am going to pour this special stuff in the water. If you pee’d, it will make the water get hot.” (He hates hot water)
I have never seen him jump out of the tub so quickly.
Charlie: “NO DADDY! Get my toys out, get my toys!”
Dad: “Charlie, did you pee in the tub?”
Charlie: “Yes. Sorry I pee’d in the tub.”
Ironic isn’t it? I lied to get my kid to tell the truth.
Wow! Panicky! Later, he’ll realize that warm water will help you relax and do that … hence, go before you bathe. Sorry he lied to you, but the jumping would have been entertaining.
ahhhh.. what I have to look forward to… twice