Big Imagination

[Cathy214]

I have a 7 year old granddaughter who makes things up, nothing harmful, embelishes on what she had done or not done. Her grandpop took her and her 6 yr old  brother on a hike. When they came back I asked them how was their hike. It was good they said. I asked them if they saw a fox (which lives in that area) Very excitedly she exclaimed Oh yes we saw the fox. I asked if it was a red fox and again excited she said yes it was the red fox. But when I mentioned it to my husband, he laughed and said no they didn't see a fox. She saw one a year ago in the same area.

This is one of the embelishments. Some her mom or dad says no that never happened. I am confused and not sure what to do or how to  help her or if this is normal. None of my 4 children did this so this is new for us.

She has been doing this a few years now and we chalked it up to her being confused about what is real and what is a  dream where it  felt so real. She gets so excited and is convinced these things have happened, and says yes it really happened when questioned, maybe it is because her parents have said no that never happened,  and where do you get these stories?
She is starting to be disciplined for it and I would like to know what is this about?
Cathy

[Cathy214]

I think it might be for attention but she really believes what she says. I will talk to her parents about it. Thank you for your suggestion.
Cathy

[supermomma531]

Could these embellishments be for attention? Maybe she started in the beginning for attention and saw that she got it and has continued with it. Sit down with here and her parents and grandparents together and all adults have to be on the same page when telling her that her embellishments are not appropriate. This way she knows where everyone stands and she can't play either one of you four against each other. She needs to be put in her place and punishment needs to be consistent. I hope this helps your situation. Good luck.