So I decided I would try and use Facebook again. I told myself if I could remove just enough “friends” to get me under 100 I would get back on. I also have a few friends and family members who check my blog that way.

Well, I was successful. I got it down to 99 with very little effort. I tried to ask myself, “If there was really something major going on in my life, would I call this person?” That helped a lot. I am sure that I have now offended people the way I felt when I was unfriended but what can you do?

After seeing something that another mom shared about dealing with a child’s lying, it really got me thinking of the child in my family that seems to have this issue.

I wrote a little about my own struggles with deceit here. It breaks my heart that my little girl seems to have the same tendency toward lying. Katie is 6 and has recently made a profession of faith so I am trying to be more purposeful in addressing it when it happens.  So many times it is passed off as being overly dramatic or attention-seeking when children lie.  But it is a heart issue and I pray that God helps me realize that each time so I can help her realize it, also.

A good example of something that may appear harmless, or childish, was a conversation in the van the other day.

Foster: “Mommy, the underneath of my eye is doing this weird thing, like moving all on it’s own.”

I said “Oh, it’s called a twitch. It feels funny doesn’t it?”

Foster: “Why does it do it?”

Me: “I’m not sure, but it happens more when you are tired or not feeling well.”

Then about 45 seconds later.

Katie: “Mommy I have a twitch in my eye, too.”

Me: “Katie Belle, no you don’t and that’s not ok to lie.”

This may seem humorous to some degree, but it’s dishonest. Anytime, anyone says that their head hurts or belly hurts she picks up on it and seems to come down with the same ailment.

The funniest thing is that when she has been listening to my mom or Chris or I complain. Then when she starts to say what’s bothering her, she’s describing a way a grown-up would feel, not a 6 year old. I can just hear her saying “Mommy, my arthritis is really acting up today.” She hasn’t gone that far yet but it wouldn’t surprise me.

So how to address this behavior?

I have decided to start with the Truth. So that we can help her understand how important it is to be honest and genuine.

I’m going to start with this verse.

I’m also going to try and talk more to her about how she’s feeling when she does lie. To try and help her with a better way to deal with those feelings (like feeling left out).