If this is the first time your little boy lied like this, don't punish him. Keep in mind that children this age experiment with lying to see if it will work for them. Confront your child with the fact that you know he lied. This shows him that lying doesn't work so well! Then show him you understand that he wanted to watch his movie and that's why he lied. Tell him that it can take a lot of courage to tell the truth when the truth will cause some pain. You might tell him the story of George Washington and the cherry tree ("I cannot tell a lie.."). Use this first occasion as an education opportunity. However, if he lies a second time, tell him that lying is a serious misbehavior that will be punished from now on. The third lie and all future lies will receive a negative consequence (see "Raise Your Kids without Raising Your Voice" for details on how to apply the 2X-Rule with negative consequences).   Sarah Chana