How should I respond when my child insists their made-up story really happened? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child insists their imaginative story really happened, it can be confusing for a parent. This behaviour often reflects a simple confusion between imagination and reality, not a desire to be dishonest. Your response can help them learn to separate the two without shaming their creative spirit. 

Stay Calm and Gently Clarify 

Avoid accusing them of lying, as this can cause them to become defensive. A better approach is to respond with gentle curiosity: ‘That is a very exciting story! Are you telling me something you imagined, or did this really happen?’ This gives them a safe space to reflect and clarify, and it teaches them the value of being clear with others. 

Balance Correction with Encouragement 

Explain that while imaginative stories are wonderful, it is important not to present them as facts, because this can confuse people and break their trust. If your child admits the story was pretend, be sure to praise their honesty: ‘Thank you for telling me the truth. I love how creative your stories are!’ This reassures them that both their honesty and their creativity are valued. 

Provide Safe Outlets for Fantasy 

It is important to create dedicated spaces where imagination is celebrated. This could be through drawing, storytelling games, or make-believe play. By providing these healthy outlets, you help your child to understand that there is a right time and place for their creativity, which helps them to avoid blurring the lines with real-life honesty. 

Spiritual Insight 

Allah Makes the Truthful Evident 

Islam values creativity but warns against presenting falsehood as fact. The Quran reminds us that life is a test, and through these tests, Allah will always make it clear who is truthful and who is not. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Ankaboot (29), Verse 3: 

‘And indeed, We (Allah Almighty) have (sent) tribulations to those (nations that existed) before them; so that Allah (Almighty) may clearly depict those people that have been truthful; and expose those people that have fabricated (their beliefs).’ 

Truthfulness is the Path to Paradise 

The prophetic tradition teaches that insisting on falsehood is a harmful path, while holding to the truth, even when it is difficult, is what leads to righteousness and eternal success. 

It is recorded in Jami Tirmidhi, 1971, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Truth leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise, while lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire.’ 

Honesty Builds Trust, Imagination Brings Joy 

By guiding your child with gentleness, you can show them that being truthful is a strength that is beloved by Allah, while imagination has its own special place in play. Over time, they will learn that while honesty builds trust, creativity brings joy, and that both can coexist in perfect harmony.