Have you ever asked your child a simple question — “Did you brush your teeth?” — and heard a bold “Yes!” … even though the toothbrush is bone dry?

Lying can spark big emotions on both sides: kids often feel fear, shame, or embarrassment, while parents feel frustrated or betrayed. But here’s the truth — lying is a normal part of child development, and it can actually be a powerful teaching moment.

In this episode of From Tears to Talking, Ashley Bell, school counselor and mom of two, breaks down:
✅ Why kids lie — and the big feelings underneath it
✅ The 4 main types of lies: bold-face, white lies, leaving it out, and adding to it
✅ What not to do when your child lies (and why it backfires)
✅ Practical steps to make honesty feel safe and teachable
✅ How to connect before you correct so your child builds honesty and trust

This week’s freebie is a Sentence Starters activity that helps kids playfully explore truth vs. lies. It’s a fun, hands-on way to start conversations about honesty without lectures or power struggles.

✨ Want to go deeper? My full resource, Types of Lies Town, is a complete lesson with sorting cards, posters, and activities that turn tricky conversations about lying into playful, engaging learning moments.

Together, we’ll turn the tears into talking. 💛

👉 Grab this week’s free printable: http://bit.ly/46FvcvZ

👉 Follow Ashley on Instagram: http://bit.ly/4mKafGM

👉 Shop kid-friendly resources on:

TpT 👉https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/mrs-bell-the-crafty-counselor

Etsy 👉 https://thecraftycounselormb.etsy.com

The Crafty Counselor Shop👉 https://mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com/shop/

Learn more at mrsbellthecraftycounselor.com

💛 Let’s go from chaos to connection, together.

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