My son’s active imagination also has a negative side

When Kyle was a toddler, he never really played with toys. Instead, he preferred to play sports. Whether it was hockey, baseball or running, he always wanted to do something active instead of sitting down and playing. One of our fondest memories of Kyle as a baby is him bringing down our indoor hockey nets to the basement and asking John and I to play against each other so he could watch. Sure, he had his moments where he built forts and buildings out of blocks and played with his cars and trains. However, he never liked to play dress up or make-belief games. It was clear that his imagination wasn’t his strong point. He just preferred games with rules and running. Ryan was only slightly different. While he also loved playing sports, he still enjoyed playing games too. Specifically, he loves playing with board and card games similar to bro138 slot. Imaginative games though? Not so much. I felt like I was seeing a bit of a pattern here… Until Nate came along.

Nate is almost the exact opposite of his brothers when it comes to play-time. Not only is he a better independent player, but he loves using his imagination. He plays with his stuffies and comes up with so many unique situations for them. Sometimes he just recreates Paw Patrol episodes. Whether he’s playing with his cars or super-hero figurines, he’s always using his imagination to create a scenario and plot. It’s truly amazing to watch him play – mostly because I’m not used to it. Of course, he enjoys playing sports as well – he does look up to his older brothers after all!

So while I love, love, love his active imagination and I know it will be such a great asset for him to have throughout his life, I must admit that there’s also a negative side. You see, with active imagination, you are creating a new world and situations and people. You’re basically used to making up stuff… which is why Nate has no problems lying to us. It comes so naturally to him. Of course he doesn’t mean it in a harmful way, but he is a liar! Some examples include:

Making up names for new friends he met when he can’t remember or doesn’t know their name. When he says that his friend is called “bokacha”, we know it’s a lie!

But sometimes it’s stuff that are more serious like:

Me: “Did you brush your teeth?” Nate: “Yes” (but he didn’t).

Me” “Did you finish your food?” Nate: “Yes” (but there’s a full bowl of cereal in front of him).

Or the best is when he comes running out of his room and declares “I’m not doing anything….” when we never asked. I seriously can’t help but laugh.

So while it’s all fun and games now that he is four years old, I worry that it might develop into a habit or he may begin to lie about more serious stuff.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you have a child with an active imagination? Do they tell fibs and if so, have their lies gotten out of control?