One thing that happens when your kids grow up is they start saying things that are actually true. This doesn’t mean everything is true, but it does mean some stuff is true.
The answer to “Did you go potty?” might be “Yes” and she isn’t making that up.
The tricky part is that just five minutes ago, she was also explaining that Santa Clause came to her bed and shared cauliflower with her stuffed Catfish and Llama Friend was there too jumping in Oma and Pop’s pool.
So yes, some parental wisdom is required to decipher fact from fiction. The marker on the wall probably didn’t randomly appear even if you’re told “I didn’t do it.”
But somewhere in there, start giving the benefit of the doubt and truly listening and respecting their responses. When the stakes are higher, you’ll want that to be your default posture. They will too.
Gratefully Dad 