Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
How Important Is Sex in a Marriage?
Sex definitely has plenty of physical and psychological benefits to it. However, the answer to how important it is in a marriage is a bit more complicated than that. Frequent sexual activity has perks such as reduced stress, an emotional connection, greater intimacy and lowered divorce rates. There are differences in how men and women view sex, but it does play a pivotal role in marriage.
Why Is Sex Important in a Marital Relationship?
Here are 10 things to know about how important sex is in a relationship.
1. Sex Fosters Intimacy
This is probably the most obvious reason why married couples need to have more sex. Sex builds intimacy. Sure, you share everything, and there’s a good bond in your relationship, and yet if sex ranks low in how you express your love for each other, something’s not right. Having to live together and the certainty of each other’s presence can cause your chemistry to fizzle out. Although you’re in love, you may have lost the sexual chemistry you had at the beginning, so what you need is a little more sex to bring it back.
2. It’s a Stress-buster
It’s needless to say how amazing it can be to come home after a long day and release all that pent up stress-energy with your partner in bed. Experts say that regular sex helps people respond better to stress due to the release of feel-good endorphins in the body. Not only does it help you relax, but it gives plenty of bonding time with your partner in bed. And then there’s all the good night’s sleep you’ll get after that. Although a good work out is not recommended just before sleep, sex is an exception to it. It is observed that it decreases body temperature and promotes deep sleep.
3. Sex Bonds Couples Together
The burst of endorphins in the brain after sexual activity is responsible for helping couples bond during sex. It is not only about penetration and finishing, but the playful exploration that comes before it that will give you the most intimate moments with your partner. Both men and women need the passion, romance, and chemistry to show each other that their love is alive and doing well.
4. Sex Aids Problem-solving
As time progresses in a long relationship, couples disagree more on things than they did before at the start of the relationship. Conflicts due to the difference of opinion become commonplace, and couples tend to drift apart. Sex then becomes an import activity to make a truce. Sexual intimacy helps couples work through their disagreements more lovingly as they look beyond their differences to find common ground that works for both instead of engaging in a power struggle. It also rekindles lost romance and reminds them of the trust they share even in the middle of their toughest struggles.
5. Sex Builds a Deeper Level of Communication
Sexually satisfied couples will tell you that sex isn’t confined only to the bedroom; the roots of it extend well beyond, into their everyday lives. Communication outside your bedroom is the key - without it, your physical connection in the bed would be weak. Great sex starts in the mind, which includes honest communication with your partner at all times. Building up to it is what makes sex so much more enjoyable, especially for women, it helps them feel a deep connection with their man and truly love the intercourse.
6. Sex is a Great Workout
Sex being the vigorous physical activity that it is, helps you burn a lot of calories. A good round of sex is equivalent to some moderate physical activity such as brisk walking of climbing a flight of stairs. You also mobilize muscles during sex, which help you tighten and tone your abdomen, lower back and thighs. On an average, you would end up burning 200 calories in 30 minutes of good sex. Therefore if you’re on a fitness program monitoring all the calories you intake and burn, cutting out a little time on the treadmill and substituting it with sex with your partner has compounded benefits.
7. Sex Builds Better Self- esteem
Sex is important to feel great about yourself. Nobody enjoys being in a marriage that lacks physical passion. Everybody wants to be desired. Therefore, passionate and invigorating sex is an indicator that your partner is still into you. Being great in bed and having your spouse come back to you wanting more is a great self-esteem booster for both men and women. On the other hand, examining how important sex is in a long term relationship shows that a fizzled out chemistry or being insecure about yourself and performing poorly can eventually drive your partner to look for other means outside the marriage.
8. Sex Has Plenty of Physical Benefits
Not only can sex give you a good workout and burn calories, but it also has numerous physical health benefits for both you and your partner. The muscles involved in sex are toned finely, improving bladder control in both men and women. The endorphins released during sexual activity help to ease physical pain and sometimes even migraines and back pain, promoting calmness and well-being. Sexual intercourse with your partner is also a good cardio work out along with having plenty of benefits for the heart, such as lowering blood pressure afterwards and decreasing chances of heart disease.
9. Sex Has Plenty of Psychological Benefits
Besides bonding and intimacy, sex has plenty of psychological effects that are both good for you and your marriage. Sex with your spouse is known to increase the quality of your life and your happiness. However, this relates to meaningful sex with full involvement of both the partners. Sex releases endorphins which are essential to feeling good, lowering irritability and fighting off periods of depression. The hormone oxytocin released during sexual stimulation helps in bonding and the feeling of security and connectedness.
10. Sex is a Celebration
Although sex needs no reason other than itself, many couples have sex as a celebration of their love and intimacy. Not only does it feel amazing, but it also keeps the spark alive and staves off monotony.
Sex obviously has plenty of benefits, and the more you have, the better. However, remember that not all is lost when you do not have it as much as everybody else does. The frequency is not what matters; it’s the quality.
Also Read:
5 Tips for Breaking The Monotonous Routine of Sex
Amazing Health Benefits of Sex
Different Ways to Boost Your Sexual Confidence Read more
Suggested for you
Excessive Saliva during Pregnancy
Everyone knows the classic (or common) symptoms of pregnancy: tender breasts, missed period, morning sickness, feeling tired, etc. But some pregnant women experience a host of other symptoms that are not-so-common (and are unexpected too) such as saliva build-up in the mouth. Excess saliva in the mouth is a rare symptom of early pregnancy and is usually experienced by those pregnant women who have morning sickness. Saliva build-up in early pregnancy is medically termed as ptyalism gravidarum.
Is it Normal to Have Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is perfectly normal to salivate a lot more than usual during pregnancy. Usually, the glands that produce saliva tend to generate approximately 600ml of saliva in an entire day. We know, that seems like a large amount, but it goes unnoticed since we constantly keep swallowing it throughout the day. However, during pregnancy, if a woman has excess saliva in her mouth, it could be because of increased saliva production or decreased swallowing tendency or a combination of both.
A few pregnant women may salivate intensely when they are nauseous. The saliva in such cases can make one feel like spitting it out.
When Does Excess Saliva Production Start During Pregnancy?
Some women may believe that excess saliva could be an early pregnancy symptom. However, excess production of saliva starts around the 2nd or 3rd week of the pregnancy and settles down around the end of the first trimester. For certain women, this condition continues throughout the pregnancy and up until the delivery. Experts believe that excess saliva production is the body's way of protecting the mouth, throat, and teeth from the corrosive effects of stomach acid.
Causes of Salivation During Pregnancy
Some of the possible causes of excessive salivation during pregnancy are given below -
Experts aren't sure but one of the possible reasons for an increase in saliva during pregnancy is pregnancy hormones. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to an increase in saliva production.
The usual tendencies of morning sickness and nausea may prevent women from swallowing the saliva as the taste might make it unpleasant and even more nauseous. This leads to saliva build-up in the mouth.
Producing excess saliva during pregnancy can be because of heartburn, which is a common problem during pregnancy. As the uterus expands to accommodate the baby and pushes the stomach, it can cause the stomach to push up its contents in the oesophagus, leading to a bad irritating and burning sensation. As a bodily reflex, the oesophagus causes the glands to produce more saliva in order to soothe the stomach acid and burning sensation.
If the pregnant woman suffers from any oral infections such as tooth decay, cavities, dental caries or so, there is a chance of salivation increasing in such scenarios and being excessive.
Being exposed to some toxic chemicals might cause the body to react in a manner of producing more saliva than usual.
Specific medications namely anticonvulsants, lithium, tranquillizers, and so on, are known to react with the salivary glands causing them to produce excessive saliva.
Benefits of Increased Salivation
Some of the benefits of excess saliva production during pregnancy are given below -
Increased salivation works directly in neutralizing stomach acids that can cause a burning or irritating sensation. (Is this correct? Since above it is mentioned that excess saliva happens because of heartburn and burning sensation)
Saliva in the mouth is a natural defence against bacteria that can harm the teeth.
The major function of saliva is that it starts the digestion process right in the mouth, helping the stomach and intestine break down the food easily.
With vitamin supplements or so, one may experience a dry mouth. Salivation helps keep the mouth lubricated and wet.
Treatments for Excessive Saliva While Pregnant
The problem of excessive saliva in the mouth is not serious and you need not worry about the same. Furthermore, there's no known cure for the same. But there are certain things that you can try to lessen the production of saliva in your mouth.
Try making some dietary changes such as removing carbohydrate-rich or starch-based from your diet.
Visit your dentist and check for any infections that might be present in your mouth. Certain gum- related problems could result in excessive production of saliva.
Re-plan your meal times by having smaller meals at frequent intervals.
Brush your teeth often and use a mouthwash. Using a mouthwash intermittently through the day can help with the saliva.
Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth wet. Keep a bottle handy and take small sips frequently. Not only will it keep your saliva in check but also keep you hydrated
Chew sugarless gums or mints to help with the swallowing of saliva.
Take an ice cube and suck on it for some time. Your mouth will feel numb and will produce less saliva for some time.
Try chewing on lime or ginger to reduce the salivation. Consult your doctor for the same.
Add a lot of crunchy and fibrous fruits and vegetables in your diet.
If swallowing the saliva starts makes you nauseous, spit it out.
When eating biscuits, go for dry and plain ones that help soak the saliva.
If this escalates to severe vomiting, visit your doctor immediately to get medications for it.
Can You Prevent Excess Saliva During Pregnancy?
As much as one would like to know how to stop excessive saliva during pregnancy, unfortunately, there are no precautions, no habits, no known techniques that can help reduce the saliva production. It is just a phase, like pregnancy and all the other changes that your body undergoes, and will pass away with time. Do not overthink about it or let down your mood and be disgusted by what’s happening to you. It is natural, it is a bodily response, so don't worry about it.
When Can You Expect This to Stop?
If you are salivating excessively during pregnancy, obviously, you will be annoyed. But don't worry, it's just a symptom of pregnancy and should subside after the first trimester of pregnancy. However, this symptom may last longer in some women. If the same happens with you, don't panic because it will subside after you give birth to your baby. But if you feel miserable, you can always check with your doctor and ask what can be done.
When to Consult the Doctor
Excess saliva might seem extremely weird when it starts happening, but it is just as natural as morning sickness. Unless the salivation becomes too intense for you to lead a normal life or is combined with frequent episodes of vomiting, there is no reason to visit your doctor for it. They might help you put your mind to ease but on a medical level, there isn’t anything to worry about.
Salivating excessively during pregnancy can seem a bit embarrassing, but you need not worry, it is a sign of pregnancy. It a natural response to the changes in your body and drooling or excessive saliva is nothing than a minor annoyance. Keep it at that and focus on the better parts of your journey through pregnancy.
Also Read: Change In Urine Colour during Pregnancy Read more
Suggested for you
Postpartum Oedema - Causes, Signs and Remedies
During pregnancy, women go through many physical changes. You might be waiting to just get done with it so you can get back to your normal lifestyle. Most think that once this phase is over, every thing will fall into place, but that’s not true – you may encounter problems even after childbirth, one of them being postpartum oedema.
What Is Postpartum Oedema?
Postpartum oedema is a condition that women go through right after pregnancy. This condition can cause swelling of the face, ankles, and belly. It can also spread to the hands and legs. The swelling can sometimes be painful, making the situation unpleasant.
Causes of Postpartum Swelling/Oedema
There are a few reasons why postpartum oedema occurs in the pregnant women:
1. Hormones
Progesterone is a hormone that is produced in a large quantity during pregnancy. This can cause the body to retain sodium and water, which leads to swelling .
2. IV Fluids
IV fluids are used during labour to prevent dehydration. However, it can also lead to inflammation – this is likely to happen after a caesarian birth.
3. Hypoproteinemia and Anemia
Hypoproteinemia is a condition characterised by lower-than-normal levels of protein in the body. When a person has a deficiency of red blood cells in her body, it’s called anemia. If a mother contracts any or both of these ailments after delivery, she may, in turn, suffer from postpartum oedema.
4. Hypertension
Medical conditions like chronic hypertension and pregnancy-induced hypertension as well as hypothyroid renal disorders can be a cause of postpartum swelling.
Symptoms of Swelling After Pregnancy
Some of the symptoms of postpartum oedema are:
Swollen hands and feet
Weight gain
Swollen ankles
Puffy skin
Does the Swelling Go Away on Its Own?
After pregnancy, if you notice swelling in your arms, feet and other parts of the body, don’t panic as it will go away on its own. At most, it might take a couple of weeks. Swelling happens in most women because of fluids that remain in the body after childbirth.
What Is the Treatment for Post-pregnancy Oedema?
Post-pregnancy oedema is common and usually does not need any special treatment. There are simple treatments which you can try at home which can reduce the swelling and pain. However, if the situation gets worse, you need to consult a doctor since it could be a sign of other health complications.
What Can You Do to Reduce Post-pregnancy Swelling?
Some home remedies for swollen feet after pregnancy are listed below:
1. Massage
Give yourself a soothing massage as this improves blood flow and eventually soothes pain.
2. Exercise
Doing exercise is a great way to get back your pre-pregnancy shape and also reduce swelling.
3. Drink Lots of Water
Water helps to flush out excess fluids from the body, thus reducing swelling. A lot of people think that if you drink water, there will be more fluids in the body. However, that is incorrect.
4. Eat Fruits
Fruits have anti-inflammatory properties, so eating a lot of them will help to increase metabolism and speed up healing.
5. Eat Proteinrich Foods
Low protein in the body is a reason for swelling, and so it is beneficial to start adding high protein foods in your diet.
6. Keep Processed & Fast Foods Away
Avoid processed and fast foods as they have high levels of sodium which leads to the retention of fluids in the body.
7. Elevate Your Feet and Hands
Elevate your hands and feet regularly to improve blood circulation. This will eventually reduce the swelling in the body.
8. Avoid Being in a Stationary Position
Body movement matters a lot when it comes to blood circulation. Sitting and standing in the right way and for the right amount of time helps to reduce swelling and better the blood flow.
9. Rest Well
Avoid exerting yourself when your body is swollen and if you are experiencing pain. Rest it out if things get too much.
10. Soak Your Feet
Soaking your feet in warm water with sea salt or bath salts can help soothe the pain and reduce swelling.
11. Do Yoga in the Morning
Yoga is yet another stress and pain reliever. It helps in better circulation of the blood, leading to less swelling in the body.
12. Herbal Teas
Coffee and other caffeinated products can increase dehydration, prompting the body to retain more fluids . This will only delay your recovery from postpartum oedema. Instead, replace these beverages with herbal teas like dandelion tea to battle swelling and prevent fluid retention in the body.
13. Reflexology
This is a great way to soothe those aching muscles. Reflexology is calming and helps a lot with pain and swelling of the feet.
14. Cabbage Leaves
Placing cabbage leaves on the swollen areas helps to reduce pain and discomfort as it draws out extra fluids from the body.
15. Avoid Tight Clothes
When in pain from the swelling, allow your body to breathe by wearing loose and comfortable clothes.
16. Avoid Heavy Exercises
Exercising is definitely a great relief for swollen feet after pregnancy, but heavy exercise can inadvertently lead to body ache that can make things worse.
17. Wear Socks for Support
The clothes you wear make a lot of difference. Wearing socks that do not have tight elastic but are supportive can help relieve postnatal oedema.
18. Relaxing Bath
A relaxing bath in warm water along with soothing oils is helpful. Ask your doctor about the oils that are safe to use. Avoid those you feel might cause an allergic reaction.
19. Reduce the Intake of Salt
Salt is nothing but sodium in a different form. Excessive intake of salt can lead to water retention and swelling in the body. Check the ingredients label for the amount of salt before buying processed foods like cakes, chips and soft drinks.
20. Eat Foods Rich in Potassium
The sodium and potassium content in the body should always be balanced. Consuming more potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados, spinach, yoghurt and peanut butter will bring down the levels of sodium in the blood.
How to Deal With Incision Swelling After Giving Birth
After a C-section delivery, there are increased chances of developing swellingin the legs. In such cases, you can use an ice compressor or take a shower in warm water to reduce the pain. Avoid bath lotions if your stitches haven’t fully healed.
When Should You Worry About Postpartum Oedema?
Postpartum oedema is not a disease or sickness to be worried about. Usually, it goes down in a week’s time. Very rarely does the condition last for weeks. However, in the following cases, you may need to seek medical help:
1. If It Lasts for Several Weeks
If your oedema lasts for several weeks, it is best to consult a doctor. You can try out various methods to reduce the pain.
2. Unbearable Pain
The pain may be excruciating and you may need some form of pain relief medication. But in your weakened state, it is not a good idea to start popping pills without consulting a doctor.
3. Breathing Problems
Breathing problems can be a sign of an impending congestive heart failure. You will need immediate medical attention if this is the case.
How to Prevent Post-pregnancy Oedema
The swelling that happens after pregnancy is natural. However, there are some ways to prevent post-pregnancy swelling. Although these are helpful, they do not work for all women. Some preventive methods are:
Drink plenty of water
Wear comfortable shoes
Avoid standing in a stationary position for a long time
Avoid drinking caffeine
Do mild post-pregnancy workouts
Do not skip on your postpartum rest
FAQ
Will My Feet Ever Get Back to the Size They Were Before Pregnancy?
If you are panicking about your feet never going back to their original shape, then you don’t need to worry. The swelling that happens after pregnancy is a natural process because of excess fluid in the body. Over time, your feet will get back to their natural form.
The journey of pregnancy and post-pregnancy is challenging. While you are already going through a lot, swelling and pain can make the transition more difficult. However, it is a common condition that many women undergo after pregnancy. Hence, stay calm and prepared. By following the steps mentioned above, the pain can be managed or even avoided.
Also Read: Postpartum Preeclampsia Read more
Suggested for you
Do Babies Dream Know More About Your Little One's Bedtime Adventures
There is a chance you did not notice this, but your baby sleeps a lot during the first months. A one-week-old baby will sleep for 16 hours a day and even after 12 months, the baby will sleep for 13 hours. During this time do infants dream? Yes, she will definitely be dreaming a lot! Many experts point out that dreams must happen since babies spend a lot of time in REM sleep as the capacity for dreaming is there. There are others who think that we cannot compare the baby’s REM totals to an adult’s. Most of the growth and development experienced by the baby during the early years of his life happens during the sleep. So during the REM sleep, the brain is occupied with developing new neural pathways, and due to this, there is very little power left over for dreaming. This can also cause sleep regressions.
Do Babies Dream More Than Adults?
Each one of us goes through sleep cycles. That stage when we first start to fall asleep is called the light sleep. At this stage, it is easier for us to wake up. After this stage, we move into a deeper sleep where the brain rests and recovers. Then we go back up to the light sleep again. This sleep cycle will take about 90 minutes. Dr Alan Greene, professor of Paediatrics at Stanford University, explains that even babies need to sleep in order to restore their bodies and brains. But the babies sleep cycles are shorter compared to adults, and they move from light to deep sleep every 50 minutes.
Dreams happen in the light sleep, and since babies have more periods of this light sleep, they tend to dream more than adults.
What May Babies Dreams About?
We don’t know for certain to what do newborn babies dream about since there is no way of asking them, but according to Professor Greene dreams do help babies make sense of their experiences. We all know that when the baby is in the womb, she can hear and smell, and even during this time in the womb, she processes her amniotic world and tries to make sense of most of it. Even after the baby is born, these processes are still carried out since everything around her is new and overwhelming.
Dr Greene also explains that even if we do not know what she is dreaming about, we can still have some clues of what kind of dreams she is having. You can figure this out by the way your baby wakes up, either smiling or crying. So what do babies dream about when they smile? If the baby is happy and smiling, then she probably dreamt about something good. And what do babies dream about when they cry? If she’s crying and making a lot of fuss, then she must have experienced some less happy dreams.
Possible Signs Your Baby is Dreaming
There is nothing more innocent and peaceful than looking at your baby sleeping. There are three major signs your baby is dreaming, and these might leave you standing over her crib:
1. Twitching
Have you ever seen your baby twitch while sleeping? At the University of Iowa, scientists believe that these small movements show which physical skill your baby is currently working on. This means that, if you notice your baby twitching her neck, then she will probably start supporting her head when she wakes up.
2. Smiling
During her sleep, if you ever see your baby spontaneously smile even in the first month, then she is probably enjoying that spot of her dreaming during the REM sleep.
3. Eye Movement
If you notice her eyes move rapidly beneath the eyelids, then it is certain that she is dreaming. Scientists at the Tel Aviv University found out that when the scenes in our dreams keep changing, our eyes start flickering rapidly back and forth when we sleep.
Do Babies Have Nightmares?
Dr Greene believes that nightmares mostly tend to occur in children between the ages of three and six. This is because by this age, the imaginations of children take off and they are able to think about things that they have not, in reality, sensed themselves. They also start developing a sense of fear by this age.
One of the best things you can do to help your children with nightmares is by letting them process those dreams since bad dreams and nightmares help them make sense of things they are frightened or anxious about. When they are old enough, you can ask them to draw pictures of the bad dreams or nightmares they are having and let them tell you what happened. At the end of their story, you can encourage them to discover and look for a more positive aspect.
It is important to remember that every dream your kid has either good or bad, serve a purpose in the growth of your kid. Dreams help them make sense of the world around them.
Does Dreamless Sleep actually Help your Baby’s Development?
Many experts believe that when REM sleeps are dreamless; it helps the newborns in many ways. It allows them to build pathways in their brain, integrate the neurological systems and even help in developing several other skills like language.
Sleep is very important for your newborn’s development because when your baby is asleep, his brain development is being fuelled.
However, it is believed that dreams start taking shape as we grow up. Therefore, when the baby grows up, he absorbs and processes visuals as dreaming becomes a cognitive process.
If you believe that babies do dream, the real question is what they might be dreaming about. Among adults, we would mostly agree that most of us dream about the things we experience every day, or the past events or stuff we have read or heard about. So if we think with that logic with babies, they would probably dream about a lot of pooping, or crying. When the baby grows up, she would start becoming aware of her surroundings and maybe dream about her mom and dad or even her family dog.
Also Read: Why Do Baby Frequently Waking Up? Read more
Suggested for you
Why Kids Lie And What To Do About It?
When you catch your kid lying for the first time, it is normal to feel betrayed and disappointed. While lying is considered as bad behaviour, it is a normal part of growing up in children. Moreover, white lies, which are said in order to be polite, can be an important social skill in kids.
However, if you find your child lying to you often, it is important that you do not feel frustrated. Instead, you can use positive reinforcement methods to encourage them to tell the truth.
Why do Kids Lie?
Kids aren’t born with a moral code that distinguishes between right and wrong. This is learned behaviour. Through interaction and examination of their environment, they gradually learn these codes of conduct. Since their cognition and understanding of the world is also in the process of development, they may lie for various reasons at different ages.
1. To Avoid Getting into Trouble
One of the most common reasons why kids lie is to avoid getting punished. If they understand that there are consequences for breaking a rule or not doing what they were supposed to, it is likely that they will lie instead to avoid being punished.
2. A Response to Peer Pressure
Children may also lie in order to feel like they fit in better with their friends. This is often done in order to impress friends.
3. To Get What they Want
If you tell them that they would be given something after completing a certain task, they may lie in order to get the reward. They may even lie to avoid doing the chore.
4. Too Many Restrictions
If there are a lot of restrictions imposed on the kids and they are asked to give details of everything that they do, they may feel trapped. Such kids are likely to lie to in order to have the independence of enjoying normal things.
5. To Avoid Hurting Other’s Feelings
Some kids gradually learn to say white lies in order to seem polite and not hurt others. Telling their aunt that they love the gift even if they aren’t very fond of it is one such white lie. Most kids learn this either after being told to do so or out of consideration for others feelings. This may lay the edifice of certain social skills in kids.
6. To Get Attention
Kids who tell tall tales may be trying to get their parents’ attention. Kids with a vivid imagination may also lie to make their stories more creative.
When does a Child start Lying?
Children may begin to lie as early as around 2 years old. Since their language skills are still developing and they aren’t able to recognize the difference between reality and fantasy, they may not understand moral importance of telling the truth. Although, lying may start very early in children, the reason for lying changes as their cognitive skills and understanding of the world develops.
Children under the age of three lie in order to avoid punishment or to avoid doing something that they don’t enjoy. If they are asked about a mistake, they may bend the truth or outright lie in order to avoid being reprimanded or punished. They may even be reacting to your tone when you ask them if they did something wrong. If you sound angry, it is likely that they will lie in order to avoid that anger. Punishing these toddlers for lying may have no effect as they are usually not able to wrap their heads around why they are being punished.
Between the ages of three to seven, kids are often unclear about the distinction between reality and fantasy. This is when you may notice them telling you about imaginary friends and getting creative with their lies. They may even insist that this fantasy world is real.
Kids between the age of eight to twelve understand what it means to lie. They may often test what they can and cannot get away with as they lie. This is when you can expect lies regarding homework or work that they do not want to do. At this age, lying tugs their conscience and they begin to feel guilty for having lied.
Once children enter their pre-teens and teens, they tend to lie for various reasons which may include not wanting to be reprimanded, peer pressure (desire to fit in), etc. At this age, they are completely aware of the repercussions of their lies and understand that they have a choice.
Helping your Child to Stop Lying
If you catch your child lying, it is important to react appropriately in order to not scare them further into lying. Here’s what to do if your child lies to you.
1. Stay Calm
If you react aggressively when you catch your children lying, it is likely that he will repeat it again in order to avoid your anger. Instead, talk to him in a calm and composed manner. This encourages him to avoid lying or come clean the next time.
2. Understand the Reason:
Find out why your child is lying. You can ask him directly once he’s admitted to lying. You may find out that there’s a reason behind his lies. He might’ve been scared of the repercussions. You can even initiate this by asking him if he was scared of telling the truth. If you find that your kid has bragged about things that he hasn’t done, he may be suffering from low self-esteem.
3. Explain that it is Wrong to Lie:
If your child broke something or made a mistake calmly tell him that mistakes are common and they happen. However, lying about it isn’t acceptable and that he needs to take responsibility for his mistakes. This will help them understand that the next time they wouldn’t need to lie to cover up a mistake.
4. Avoid Asking Questions that will lead to a Lie
Instead of asking your child if he’s done his homework, you can ask him when he plans on doing it. This will give him the chance to tell you his plan rather than cooking up a lie.
5. Appreciate Honesty
If your child comes clean about a lie, it is important that you appreciate him for it. If you react negatively even when he has opened up to you, there is a chance that he will not do it again to avoid your anger.
6. Avoid Punishment
Don’t punish your child if you find that he’s lied. This is especially true for younger kids as it may impact his emotional health. Instead, use positive reinforcement and praise him for accepting that he’s lied.
7. Limit your White Lies
Kids need good role models to look up to. They learn a lot of behaviours from their parents as you are a yardstick to how they perceive the world. Hence, it is important that you do not lie in front of your kids. This also means, not lying on the phone about where you are or other little lies that are considered acceptable to adults. Also, limit telling too many white lies. Although it is important for your child to learn them as he grows older, it can give him mixed signals about what kind of lie is acceptable. Rather than assuming that your child will find out eventually, try limiting your white lies until your child has a clear understanding of why these white lies are being told.
8. Bond with your Child
If your child has been lying to get your attention, make sure that you spend quality time with him. The first few years of development are crucial in helping set his moral compass right. It also tells him that you are available if he needs to speak to you about anything.
In kids, lying starts as something that is innocent; but if not checked at the right time, it can grow into something more serious that can affect them in the future. If you find that your child lies to you often, stage an intervention and talk to them calmly. Explain to them that lying is wrong and has its consequences. It is also important that you build a comfortable relationship with your kid which allows him to reach out to you without any fear. In case your child lies pathologically, seek professional help. Read more
Suggested for you
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
13 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
13 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
15 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
14 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
12 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
ZIAULHAQ ABDUL KHADAR has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
ZIAULHAQ ABDUL KHADAR
Father of a 7 m old girl
6 mins ago
A. Have good amount of Proteins food
Check out this new Memory
Anushka
Mom of a 6 m old boy
New Memory
#babyonboard
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Monika Sharma
Guardian of a 11 m old boy
1 min ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Vikas Kumar
Father of a 4 yr 6 m old boy
3 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Anushka
Mom of a 6 m old boy
4 mins ago
6 months
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
DHANASHREE HIRE
Guardian of a Newborn girl
4 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive