Comments on: Telling Tales

By: LIzzie

LIzzie — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:24:43 +0000

My parents never told me not to be a tattletale (probably because I was an only child) and as an adult I was shocked to find out that some parents discourage it. Isn’t “tattling” how kids get help, or let adults know about behavior that should be stopped? I like your take on it. I can see that the “He hit me!” complaints are a pain, but still think the ones beyond that are legit, not tattling.

By: Marca C

Marca C — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:32:25 +0000

Gee! I wish I had read this article a week ago when I was with my grandkids. I see now that they come running bearing tales to Nana much more than to their parents. I’ll have to engage in a little introspection and see if I encourage this sort of behaviour, just how I do that and if it is really such a bad thing.

By: homeshuling

homeshuling — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:14:43 +0000

I struggle with this in my roles as a parent and as a first grade teacher. I think the in or out of trouble question is great, but perhaps a little nuanced for six year olds. My older daughter is a very ordered little girl, and can’t stand when people (or animals, nature, for that matter) don’t follow the rules. It’s important for her level of comfort to report on these infractions. And, admittedly, it’s quite helpful. I probably wouldn’t let her and her younger sister play in the basement or the yard without me if she weren’t such an enforcer….)

By: kiki schaffer

kiki schaffer — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:00:06 +0000

Shari Storm’s point rings true for me: It’s about motive. Helping a child understand the purpose behind their telling you something. Sometimes , there are multiple motives. Sorting all of that out is an enlightening process for a child and a parent.

By: Amy K.

Amy K. — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:33:03 +0000

I was shocked the first time an adult told me “don’t be a tattletale.” Didn’t they want to know when bad stuff was happening? How was I suddenly the bad guy? I like this reframing much better.