Originally Posted by gratified3
As someone who just fired a babysitter for lying, I have to say "no" to the lying!

As someone very wise on this board once told me (waving ;)), there's a lot to be said for "he likes to read . . now what's your favorite Chinese restaurant?" I advocate honest, brief, and a question back to change the focus. It doesn't teach your kids that there's something wrong with them, but it also doesn't stress this smart thing as being all the significant.

I agree re: lying. Also, "passing the been dip" is a great tool and, especially, useful when the subject turns the conversation to the other person in a positive or, at least, a non-confrontational way.