# 121. How to Stop Tattling and Build Problem-Solvers

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kindergarten-cafe-podcast-simple-tips-for-teaching-kindergarten-6572540/121-how-to-stop-tattling-and-build-problem-solvers
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kindergarten-cafe-podcast-simple-tips-for-teaching-kindergarten-6572540/121-how-to-stop-tattling-and-build-problem-solvers.md
Podcast: [Kindergarten Cafe Podcast: Simple Tips for Teaching Kindergarten](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kindergarten-cafe-podcast-simple-tips-for-teaching-kindergarten-6572540)
Published: 2026-02-12T08:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://kindergarten-cafe.captivate.fm
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/cd8d5190-dc86-4473-9539-47a97d744804.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/kindergarten-cafe-podcast-simple-tips-for-teaching-kindergarten-6572540/episodes/121-how-to-stop-tattling-and-build-problem-solvers
Duration seconds: 1047

## Resource

If you feel like you're spending all day listening to “he said/she said” drama, this episode is for you. I share my favorite strategies for reducing tattling and teaching students to manage problems on their own. Plus, learn why teaching kids to “take care of themselves” is a life skill that goes way beyond kindergarten. In this episode I share: How to teach kids to solve conflicts with the “Bug and a Wish” sentence frame The difference between tattling vs. telling (and how to teach it explicitly) How to help kids understand the size of a problem: small, medium, or big Why I am NOT a fan of the “viral tattle” ideas floating around (and what to do instead) Simple responses to redirect tattling in the moment What to say when you don’t know who to believe How to address trust, lying, and repeat offenders gently but firmly Book recommendations for teaching about tattling Send Zeba a voice message Related Episodes: Teaching Problem-Solving Skills with Young Students ~ Ep. 57 Resources: A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer (amazon affiliate link) More SEL Children’s Books for tattling and other expected behaviors (amazon affiliate link) Join the FREE 5-Day Social Emotional Learning Challenge Connect with Zeba: Instagram - @kindergartencafe Facebook - @kindergartencafe Website - www.kindergartencafe.org Tik Tok - @kindergartencafe Mentioned in this episode: SEL Bundle https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Social-Emotional-Learning-Year-Long-Kindergarten-Curriculum-Bundle-11-SEL-Units-3904167

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