Do you have a chronic tattletale in your house? It’s sometimes difficult to help kids understand when their reporting to mom is warranted, and when it’s tattling. We’ve broken it down into a list of comparisons to help you to explain the difference, including some common examples. However, the best examples are the ones that come up in your household routinely—so use those as well. With a little training, you can curb the tattling and enjoy more peace.
It is TATTLING when… |
It is NOT TATTLING, and MOM NEEDS TO KNOW when… |
| Someone is doing something that annoys or “bugs” you, like… coming into your room without an invitation |
Someone is doing something dangerous, like… playing with matches, or a lighter |
| You could handle it on your own if you tried, like… taking turns to avoid a fight over a toy or game |
You truly need an adult’s help, like… when someone is trying to fix a snack in the kitchen and needs an adult to open something or operate an appliance |
| Someone hurt your feelings or hurt you physically by accident, like… bumping into you while jumping together on the trampoline |
Someone hurt you or hurt your feelings on purpose, like… calling you an ugly name, shoving, pushing, or hitting |
| You’re trying to get someone else in trouble, like… your brother or sister breaks a minor household rule by accident |
You’re trying to keep someone else safe… your brother or sister rides his/her bike into the street, or gets in the pool without an adult present |
