Let’s say you find a large, mysterious grape-juice stain on the couch. Neither of your kids will confess to the crime, but you have a pretty good idea who did it. Then, after you’ve scolded your son, you discover that your daughter was the culprit. What to do?
First, explain that you made a mistake. It’s important for children to know that parents can make mistakes. It lets then know that they themselves don’t have to be perfect. If the guilty child denied any wrongdoing, say something like: “I’m disappointed that you weren’t honest when you saw me scolding your little brother. I know it’s hard, but you should have told the truth. Then make the penalty fit the crime: for example, ask your daughter to help her younger brother with a chore, or donate a small portion of her allowance to pay for cleaning the couch.
Posted by paripl110707 
