My husband is a compulsive liar. He would lie about his whereabouts, his meetings, and some very inconsequential things too. I rarely confront him about it but it has got me to a point that I don't trust him at all. How do I tell him why we can be honest!

One needs to understand that there could be various reasons why a person lies. They might include:

1. The fear of the reaction of the other person

2. To avoid embarrassment

3. To protect the other person from hurt, pain, or other negative emotions

We understand that you avoid the confrontation so that the peace between the two of you can be maintained and it doesn't lead to much drama. But this can have other negative consequences that might be harmful to your relationship with your husband. We recommend that you have an honest and calm conversation with your husband about how this behaviour of lying is affecting you and your relationship. Also, very calmly ask him what is the reason for that behaviour. This can help you understand where all the lying might be stemming from. Lastly, there are times when people unknowingly go down the wrong path, but with proper love, support, and comfort things can be made better. Therefore, it is advised that if the problem persists then professional help can also be an alternative.

My 11-year-old daughter spends a lot of time talking to her friends over the phone, chats and just about everywhere. I want her to also spend time with the family, but she finds excuses. It feels like she is getting emotionally distant. Is this a normal part of growing up or something is wrong?

You mentioned that your daughter is 11-year-old, so she is moving towards the adolescent period. During teens and pre-teens, it is common for children to get engrossed in their own life and wanting to spend time with their friends. That said, to get connected with your child, you can use the following strategies:

1. The first strategy to build an emotional connection with your child is to listen to them effectively.

2. All humans fear judgements, so do our adolescents. Hence provide your child with a free space to discuss their emotions.

3. Do not trivialise their feelings and emotions.

4. Do not impose restriction on them and neither give constant instructions.

5. Disclose to them about your emotions and open a window for emotional disclosure.

6. Do not restrict them from talking to their friends completely.

7. Get in family recreational activities.