How to Respond When Children Lie

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By Lizzie Raben, MSW, LSW – November 19, 2025 –

It can be so difficult to understand why teenagers – or children of any age – lie to us. Sometimes the lies feel especially frustrating because they seem so small or unnecessary, leaving us wondering why they weren’t simply honest in the first place.

Why do children lie – and how should we respond when they do? Most kids experiment with lying at some point, whether to fit in, avoid trouble, or even protect someone else. Because lying is a common part of childhood development, it’s important for parents to understand why it happens and how to address it in a calm, effective way.

The most important thing to remember in these moments is to stay calm.  Being lied to can naturally trigger anger, making it harder to keep our composure. But maintaining calm helps strengthen future parent–child interactions. When we can talk with our child calmly about why lying is wrong, what the real issue is, and how to respond appropriately, we show them that they can come to us with any problem. We also model that honesty leads to open, steady communication—and that when they tell the truth, we will listen and help them work through challenges.

Lying can create distance and deepen a child’s sense of loneliness. When children realize they don’t have to hide things from us, they often feel a sense of relief, knowing we can work through challenges together. This doesn’t mean discipline isn’t necessary – guidance and boundaries are still essential. While children need calm support, they also rely on consistent discipline to help them grow and learn. 

If your child lied about where they were going after school, for example, an appropriate consequence might be requiring them to come straight home the next day. Explain that the privilege was lost because trust was broken and reassure them that trust can be rebuilt. Be specific about what they can do to earn that privilege back so they understand the path forward.
 
After our children have lied and damaged our trust, how do we move forward? Here are some things you can do:

  1. Continue to offer them love. They made a mistake, but even adults make mistakes every day.
  1. Continue to model open and honest communication for your child. This is how they learn!
  1. Lastly, as your child works to rebuild trust, show them that their efforts matter by gradually giving them more space. When teens feel trusted, they’re less likely to hide things and more willing to open up. Ultimately, we want our children to know that even when they make mistakes, we still love them and are willing to forgive. Holding them to high standards is important, but those expectations should feel achievable—not overwhelming.
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The Importance of Family Traditions

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By Jordyn Bryant, MSW, LSW – November 12, 2025 –

In today’s busy world, families are often pulled in many directions with work, school, sports, and endless to-do lists. It’s easy to feel disconnected from one another, even while living under the same roof. One powerful way to strengthen connection and support mental well-being is through family traditions.

Family traditions are more than just routines. While routines are about efficiency and getting things done, traditions carry emotional meaning. They are recurring activities that foster a sense of belonging and stability, such as bedtime stories, Saturday morning pancakes, or weekly movie nights. These shared practices bond the family and send a message, “We are in this together.”    Even the smallest traditions, like a goodnight phrase or a special handshake, can become treasured symbols of family love and unity.

Research shows that traditions benefit mental health in several ways. They provide comfort and predictability, which helps children feel secure in an unpredictable world. They strengthen relationships by giving families regular opportunities to connect, laugh, and share joy. Traditions also create a sense of identity and resilience, reminding children that they are part of something larger than themselves. For parents, traditions can reduce stress by offering intentional pauses from the rush of daily life and opportunities to slow down together.

The best part is that traditions don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. A gratitude check-in at dinner, reading a book together before bed, or a Sunday walk can all serve as powerful anchors. What matters most is consistency and the emotional connection attached to the tradition, not perfection. Families don’t need to compare their traditions to others; what matters is finding practices that feel natural and meaningful in your own home.

If your family doesn’t have many traditions yet, start small. Choose one activity you can realistically commit to and invite your children to help shape it. When kids take part in creating a tradition, they feel a sense of ownership and pride. Over time, these simple practices can become cherished memories and lasting sources of comfort. In moments of stress or uncertainty, it is often the smallest traditions that children remember most, the ones that remind them they are loved, secure, and connected.

Family traditions are powerful, not because they are elaborate, but because they are consistent, meaningful, and shared. In a fast-paced world, they serve as reminders to slow down, connect, and celebrate being together. Those moments of connection are not just pleasant; they are essential to the mental health and well-being of both children and parents.

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Community Foundation of Morgan County Awards $10,000 to Youth First

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Grant to Provide Mental Health Support for Morgan County Students

Youth First is celebrating the Community Foundation of Morgan County (CFMC) for investing in Morgan County youth and families. CFMC recently awarded $10,000 to Youth First, Inc. to strengthen the mental health and well-being of students in Youth First partner schools Bell Intermediate Academy, Martinsville High School, Paul Hadley Middle School, and Mooresville High School.   

This grant will enable Youth First to provide its school-based student assistance program and family and community prevention programs to help students build valuable life skills and healthy mindsets as they grow into thriving adults.  

Youth First embeds highly trained mental health professionals in school buildings and partners with 130 schools across 14 Indiana counties. Youth First Mental Health Professionals build caring relationships, promote healthy choices, foster readiness for positive change, and boost resiliency, along with other valuable life skills.

Kim Cole, President of the Community Foundation of Morgan County, stated: “Community Foundation of Morgan County is proud to support Youth First and their mission of helping our youth. Now more than ever, we need these front-line mental health professionals in our schools. We know the grant dollars will be put to great use. Thank you, Youth First, for your commitment to Morgan County!” Youth First President & CEO Holli Sullivan shared, “Our kids and families are dealing with busier schedules, greater stress and more complex challenges than ever. That’s why it’s so important to have easy access to skilled mental health support and prevention programs in school buildings, where students, parents, and teachers can take full advantage of it. We are grateful for a partnership with the Community Foundation of Morgan County to build strong futures for Morgan County kids.”

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Guiding Your Child Through the Journey of Loss

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By Hailey Hagan, MSW, LSW – November 6, 2025 –

Coping with a loss can be challenging for anyone, but helping children navigate the complex emotions that come with grief is particularly daunting. If you are a parent or caregiver, it is challenging to see the little ones you love in pain.

Here are some gentle ways to support your child during a time of grief:

  1. Foster Open Communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their feelings openly. Encourage them to share memories and feelings, and assure them it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, from sadness to confusion.
  1. Share Stories and Memories: Celebrate the life of the person or pet they lost by sharing fond memories and stories. Reminiscing about happy times can bring comfort and help your child remember the positive impact their loved one had on their life.
  1. Validate Their Feelings: Let your child know that their feelings are valid and normal. They need to understand that grief takes different forms, and everyone processes in their own way and on their own timetable.
  1. Maintain Routine and Stability at Home: In times of loss, routine can provide a sense of stability and comfort for children. Stick to familiar schedules and activities to create a reassuring environment for your child.
  1. Encourage Healthy Coping Skills: Assist your child in finding healthy ways to express their grief. This could include using art or play as a vehicle for expressing hard and painful emotions. Other healthy ways of coping might include spending time in nature and engaging in shared family activities.
  1. Seek Professional Support if Needed: If your child is struggling to cope with the loss, consider seeking professional help. You can reach out to your school’s Youth First Mental Health Professional or your child’s family physician for additional support and resources.

Helping a child cope with loss is an ongoing journey. By providing love, understanding, and the necessary tools to express their emotions, you can help your child navigate the path to healing with resilience and strength.

Youth First is offering Camp Memories, a free bereavement program for children ages 6-18 who have experienced the death of a family member or loved one, on Saturday, November 22. Please contact Heather Miller (hmiller@youthfirstinc.org) for more information.

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