How to Stop Your Child From Tattling

Nobody likes a snitch. Unfortunately, it’s normal for children to go through a phase where they gossip about their peers or siblings. While it’s acceptable for children to occasionally gossip, it becomes a problem when it occurs regularly. For example, it can have social repercussions as other children don’t want to play with them. It is a difficult subject for parents to handle. First you need to determine what is causing your child’s persistence chatter. Then you have to design solutions to the problem. Let us support you.

You don’t understand.

Children often gossip because they don’t understand why other children don’t follow the rules. As adults, we understand that not every home works the same way. However, children believe that everyone is subject to the same rules. So if a buddy breaks one of your house rules, they feel the adults should be notified so that the youngster faces the same consequences as the gossip. Also, children fight when they think things are unfair.

You are crazy.

There are also situations where children babble just because they are angry. For example, if a child steals a toy, the other youth may inform their parents because they are upset. The child may babble on purpose to get the other child into trouble in other circumstances. As a parent, you need to get to the bottom of the problem.

You are looking for power.

Kids are always looking for ways to feel in control, and gossiping is one of the times they might feel that way. Tattling is a power play and technique that allows them to assert dominance over their siblings and peers by showing how they did the right thing while someone else did the wrong thing.

Dealing with tattling:

• Talk about when it’s appropriate and when it’s not. You should never give your children the impression that they can never notify you when someone is doing something wrong (e.g. when someone is doing something that may hurt or cause pain). However, you should emphasize that children do not have to notify you every time someone offends them.
• Discuss how it makes you feel. Children also need to explore how gossiping affects them. Turn the tables and ask how it feels when someone betrays you. This dialogue will also provide an opportunity to discuss the negative social impact that clapping can have on them.
• Give concrete examples. As mentioned before, you need to show your kids when they should and shouldn’t chatter. For example, if your child is babbling, point it out and discuss why it was inappropriate.
• Teaching children to take care of themselves. Teach your children to stand up for themselves and speak out against wrongdoing.

Clapping is uncomfortable, although it’s usually a temporary phase. Once you understand why your child is spying on others, you can deal with it.