Tall Tales

Brooke is a story teller. She loves to recount her days and experiences, and it appears has learned the art of embellishment. She tells us stuff sometimes that seems doubtful, but at the age of 2 1/2 its hard to believe she would be "lying". Here are some of the recent things she has told us:

Note: They are always about school. Guess that's where all the exciting stuff happens ;)

1. Oliver (another preschooler) was in trouble. He had to stay in the corner.
2. It is her teacher, Miss Amandas, birthday today*.
3. Miss Amanda was really sad last Wednesday because Freddy (another preschooler and good buddy of Brooke) was sick.

I did some fact checking today ;)

1. I actually know Oliver, he is always in trouble. This one didnt sound too odd. But the teacher laughed and assured me that nobody gets put in the corner when they are in trouble.
2. This weekend (Sunday) is actually Miss Nicole's birthday, her other teacher. So this was pretty close and more likely just confusion.
3. Freddy was not sick on Wednesday and Miss Amanda has no clue what Brooke was talking about.

On the way home from school Brooke told me that Miss Nicole was really tired and taking a nap in the chair. When we left Miss Nicole was in fact sitting in the chair, reading a book to the kids. I assured Brooke that Miss Nicole was awake when we left, but after a day with all those kids she likely goes home and takes a nap.

One site suggests that "preschoolers with higher IQ scores are more likely to lie"and that "early lying proficiency may also be linked with good social skills in adolescence". The same site also suggests that 3- to 5-year-olds' have a "freewheeling relationship with reality". Its getting hard to believe her lately, but I'm not concerned about her turning into a chronic liar ... yet. Another article suggests "If your 4-year-old is a good liar, it’s a strong sign she’s got brains. And it’s the smart, savvy kid who’s most at risk of becoming a habitual liar."

So while we are entertained by Brooke's imagination and storytelling, we also do not doubt she is a pretty smart little cookie. I'm predicting she will become an excellent liar in the years to come. We will just have to jump that hurdle when it arrives ;)

*Jeff recalls the conversation differently and insists Brooke actually did say it was Miss Nicole's birthday on Friday. Either way, this statement appeared to be truthful. Some facts might have simply gotten confused. Since she is only 2, we will forgive her on this one.