What should I do when one child consistently lies to win during family games? 

Parenting Perspective 

When a child repeatedly bends the rules to win, it can spoil the fun and frustrate everyone involved. While a competitive spirit is normal, dishonesty during games can become a habit if left unaddressed. Your goal is to correct the behaviour gently, without making the child feel attacked or creating unnecessary tension. 

Address the Behaviour Calmly and Directly 

If you see cheating, pause the game and address it without accusation. A calm statement like, ‘Hold on, I think a rule was missed there. Let us try that again fairly,’ makes it clear that dishonesty will not be overlooked, but it avoids shaming the child. 

Highlight the Importance of Fair Play 

Remind your children that the real goal of family games is to enjoy spending time together. You can say, ‘Winning is fun, but playing fairly is what makes everyone want to play with you again.’ This connects honesty directly to positive social outcomes. 

Introduce Gentle, Logical Consequences 

If the behaviour persists, a simple and immediate consequence can be effective. This could be skipping a turn or sitting out for a minute. The message should be clear: honesty keeps the game going, while dishonesty interrupts it. 

Acknowledge and Praise Honesty 

When your child corrects a mistake or plays honestly after a reminder, praise them for it. Saying, ‘Thank you for playing fairly. It makes the game much more enjoyable for all of us,’ reinforces the positive behaviour. 

Model Good Sportsmanship 

Your example is the most powerful tool. By playing fairly, winning with humility, and losing with grace, you demonstrate integrity in action. Children learn best when they see these values lived out consistently. 

By using games as a safe practice ground for fairness, you help your child develop habits of honesty that will serve them well in all areas of life. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam teaches that truthfulness is a principle that must be upheld in all aspects of life, no matter how small. Even dishonesty in a simple game can reflect on one’s character and create distance from righteousness. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al An’aam (6), Verse 152: 

‘…(And in your business dealings) deal with full measure and weight and with equity; We (Allah Almighty) do not burden any soul except that which is in its capacity…’ 

This verse, though often applied to trade, establishes a universal principle of fairness. It reminds us that justice and honesty are obligations in all our dealings. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4790, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The believer is simple and generous, but the wicked person is deceitful and ignoble.’ 

This hadith draws a clear line between the character of a believer and one who is wicked. Honesty and generosity are signs of faith, while deceit, even in play, reflects a weak and ignoble character. 

By teaching your child that fairness in play is a reflection of their faith, you give the lesson deeper meaning. They will begin to understand that true enjoyment comes not from a tainted victory, but from playing, winning, and losing with integrity.