For the House MD fans, I feel a bit like Dr. House in the episode where Cutty's daughter lies about rehearsing preschool assessment activities to a preschool admissions officer. The episode ends with House mirthful at the thought that Cutty's daughter had the presence of mind to lie to get her (mother's) way.
Today at a well-child appointment, DS19mo was intent on exploring the examining rooms but was being stymied by yours truly. I had put him in a chair and was reading to him when he asked to get down to play with the doctor's mail delivery slot. I agreed. Once let down, he made a mad dash down the hall and into an examining room...the little sprite! I just hauled him back to the waiting room and explained why he needed to stay in the reception area. Cue twinkling, mischevious eyes.
He's been doing these sorts of bait-and-switch tactics since he was about 12 months old, albeit considerably more subtly. I'll admit I'm pleased at his developing theory of mind, but I want to ensure that I'm not reinforcing lying as acceptable. As a policy, lying never gets him what he wants, I have him apologize for lying when it happens, and we move on. DH and I also try to model total truthfness with one another and DS to maintain credibility (and just because it's the right thing to do). But, honestly, it's so hard not to laugh and encourage it tacitly.
What's your experience with this sort of behaviour? Do I sound like my approach is roughly on track to not raising a habitual manipulator?
