Parenting Perspective 

It can be an awkward moment when your child launches into an exaggerated story in front of others. While often driven by a harmless desire for attention, a pattern of untruths can damage their credibility. The challenge is to steer them back to the truth without causing public embarrassment, which could harm their confidence and trust in you. 

Redirect Gently in the Moment 

If you need to intervene in public, do it with a light and gentle touch. You could laugh and say, ‘That is a very exciting version of the story! The way I remember it was…’ This corrects the facts without creating a scene or labelling them a liar. 

Discuss It Privately Later 

Find a quiet moment later to talk about it. Ask with curiosity, not accusation: ‘I noticed you added some extra details to your story earlier. What was happening for you then?’ This opens a discussion about whether they were trying to be entertaining or felt their real story was not enough. 

Encourage Confidence in Their Real Stories 

Reassure them that their own experiences and perspectives are interesting just as they are. You can say, ‘You are a great storyteller, and your real stories are the best ones because they are yours. People love hearing what really happened.’ 

Acknowledge and Praise Truthful Sharing 

When you later hear them sharing a story accurately, make a point to praise them privately. A simple, ‘I loved hearing you tell that story so honestly,’ reinforces the behaviour you want to see and builds their confidence in being authentic. 

By handling these situations with gentle redirection and private conversations, you uphold the value of truth while protecting your child’s dignity and your bond of trust. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches a beautiful balance between upholding the truth and showing mercy in our speech. When correcting a child, especially in front of others, our approach should be guided by wisdom and gentleness, reflecting the noble character of our faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Nahal (16), Verse 125: 

‘Invite (people) to (follow) the (prescribed) pathways of your Sustainer with wisdom…’ 

This verse, a cornerstone of da’wah (inviting to Islam), also provides a perfect model for parenting. It teaches that guidance is most effective when delivered with wisdom and beautiful preaching, not with harshness. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 47, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.’ 

This hadith provides a profound filter for all our speech. When correcting a child’s falsehood, our words must still be ‘good’ meaning constructive and kind. If we cannot correct them without causing undue harm or humiliation, then it is better to wait and find a better moment. 

By showing your child that truthfulness and compassion go hand in hand, you help them value honesty without feeling shamed. Over time, they will learn that being truthful is not only right but also builds trust and respect with others and closeness to Allah Almighty.