My Nephew Age 11 Is Lying

[loulou111]

I don't mean white lies I mean stinking lies. Amongst many he told the school his dad was dead......?. And others I don't wish to share but are horrendeous. Anyone have any experience with kids who are compulsive liers? Any advice would be welcome please

[jourdain2]

PS The school pastoral team should be able to put you in touch with the Ed. Psych. as a starter and they'll know what is available around. Good luck, go carefully.

[loulou111]

Thank you for all the replies they are most welcome x

[ladyalex]

I'd try both the GP and the school to ask for counselling.
He sounds like a troubled boy and I'm afraid labelling him as an 'attention seeker' doesn't help.
He IS seeking attention and he deserves to have it.....but for the thing that is the problem, whatever that is , not for the lies whatever they are.
Good luck to him.
Here's hoping his parents can see that their bad behaviour plays a very big part in his.

[Gavmacp]

Waiting for psychiatric services can be a long time. He is probably experiencing great pain. I don't think this is something to be ignored. I, if you can, would suggest paying for counselling. Though they can be much of a muchness.

[boxtops]

I agree - the lies are a symptom of something else. Perhaps in his subconscious he wishes his dad were dead - but tbh at that age, emotional turmol is beginning, he needs support and help. Having a turbulent home life won't be helping him. The school is a good place to start.

[Cloverjo]

It sounds like attention seeking, as others have said. In my family, there is a girl of a similar age who appeared to be very bright as a toddler and who was praised for her precociousness. She is now still intelligent but not quite as amazing as she used to be.
She tells lies. I am convinced it is to regain the level of attention she used to have.

[ladyalex]

He's seeking attention because he has a big problem.....and it is not telling lies.(The problem, I mean).
The lies are a symptom or call for help if you like to phrase it that way.
Not giving him attention now will make things worse, not better.

[anneasquith]

has anyone asked him why he tells these lies and why ?

[jourdain2]

anne a. If he told the school that his father had died and they have found out that father is alive (which it sounds like) there will already be alerts running and he will have been asked why he lied. I think that loulou will receive a welcome from the school for her efforts and any input she can make. They may also tell her which areas to avoid and how to work best to improve the situation.

[LostSoulx]

It could be something he has developed to escape a part of his life that he is not happy with. I would speak to a professional about it and make them aware of your concerns and see what they have to say.

I would say that sooner rather than later would be very apt here, hope this helps.