There is that certain age when kids start to think about getting a friend of the opposite sex.
This could be earlier than you might expect and it might be totally harmless.
For older children the girlfriend boyfriend relationship is something you should be aware of.
Many kids, both who are quite young and those who are getting older might lie about having a girlfriend or boyfriend.
This could be for very different reasons, however.
A young child is probably lying about a boyfriend or girlfriend because they are embarrassed about it.
They have some sense that having a special friend means something significant.
They might realize that they are really too young for it.
They might also get teased at school for having a girlfriend or boyfriend.
In most cases this is probably all there is to it.
You might want to speak with the other child's parents to make sure that nothing else is going on, but in many cases it is probably fine.
With an older child or teenager you need to be more aware of the relationship.
If a child is lying about a girlfriend or boyfriend at an older age there is probably a reason.
Talk to the child about the relationship and ask them why they are lying about it.
Don't approach the child in an angry way about their personal life.
Kids at this age are developing a sense of an independent identity.
They want to be their own person and to have their own friends.
Talk to them about the relationship in an open way.
Don't begin by telling them that the relationship is wrong.
Attacking them in this way will make them angry and will probably lead to more lying.
Show them that you understand why they might want a girlfriend or boyfriend.
From here you can deal with the situation in a more open atmosphere.
If the child is lying because they think that you don't want them to have a girlfriend or boyfriend, and you don't want them to, then you need to tell them why you think this.
You need to be sympathetic but firm.
Help them to see it from your perspective and explain that it doesn't mean that they can't see their friend at all anymore.
If you don't have a problem with them having a girlfriend or boyfriend, then assume that their might be another issue.
Explain to your child that you don't have a problem with the relationship but that their need to be some barriers and that they need to be completely honest about it.
Explain that you will allow them to have the relationship but that this will be on your terms.
Don't be harsh or cruel with this talk, but be firm.
If your child understands that you are not against the relationship they will probably be much more likely to follow your rules and to be honest about the situation.
If they feel that you are simply being strict for no reason they will be more likely to lie and to try to get away with things.
An honest discussion with your child about the situation will do wonders.
Make it clear what you expect and get to the bottom of the lying.
Explain that lying is always a problem and that it can't continue, regardless of what the child is doing.
With some understanding and some love you will be able to do wonders with this situation.
Never give up when it comes to your kids.