Children aren't always super concerned about following the rules, but most children still operate by a sort of unspoken code of honor. One thing that's universally agreed upon by kids in general: Tattling is not cool. Of course, just because they don't want anybody to tell on them doesn't mean they can necessarily stop themselves from ratting somebody else out.
In a video posted on June 19, a toddler girl has some very important information about her sister to share with her mom. Alas, she's in a bit of a pickle: She can't tell her mom what her sister did without implicating herself — but by the time she figures that out, it's too late!
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"When telling on your sister backfires," wrote Emily Powell . The look on her face at the end was priceless! It truly didn't occur to her until that moment that she was doing the same thing her sister did. Of course, her intentions were good (sort of), as commenters pointed out.
"She's quoting...doesn't count!" wrote greatgriffyofgriffington.
"She was just informing you and using the word for reference. She of course is not using that word again, ma'am. Look at her! Does she look like a sailor?! No," wrote April_Danielle.
Related: Brother Tattles on “That Woman” for Not Napping
This little girl will think twice before she tattles on her sister again! But what makes kids want to tell on other children in the first place?
Why Do Kids Tattle?
As Parents explained, tattling isn't necessarily bad , because it's a sign that your child can tell the difference between right and wrong. But it's not necessarily good, either.
"Kids often rat each other out for all the wrong reasons — to worm their way into their parents' favor, for example, or for the naughty thrill of getting someone into trouble."
When they get a little older, say around 5 or 6, kids "develop a stronger sense of fairness."
"'Kids this age are extremely aware of rules and get very concerned when others aren't following them,' explains Nathan Blum, M.D. , a developmental and behavioral pediatrician at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia."
Even if your little one is motivated by a quest for righteousness, it's important to let them know that it's not their place to tell on other children.
"When talking to your child , say something like, 'Sometimes people don't follow the rules the way they should. I know it's upsetting to you because you are trying to do the right thing.' Tell your child that they can't change the way other children behave, but that the most important thing is always keep their own actions fair and just."
That said, kids should also know that if another child is doing something dangerous or harmful to themselves or someone else, they should definitely speak up. The occasional swear word, on the other hand, doesn't merit a mention!
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