Ep 2. The Lying Game

The Lying Game is the second episode of Instant Mom season 1. It starts with Stephanie (played by Tia Mowry-Hardrict) planning to ghostwrite a book. However, her plans get foiled when her stepchildren Gabby (Sydney Park) and James (Tylen Williams) come to her. Gabby tells her that she has a field trip she was supposed to go on the next day but needs the money for it, and James tells her that he has a basketball game the same day. Stephanie agrees to help them out by putting Gabby's school trip money on the line for James's basketball game. James feels guilty, but Gabby tells him to think of it as a loan, and they can pay it back later.

Stephanie has to go to work the next day, so she can't make it to the basketball game. Charlie (Michael Boatman), her husband, also has to attend a work dinner, so the kids are left in the care of their grandmother, Maggie (Sheryl Lee Ralph). The kids take this opportunity to go to the mall instead of going where they were supposed to. They take a picture of James in front of a green screen and text it to Stephanie, pretending he won the game. Stephanie is beyond elated, but when she goes to pick them up, she finds out the truth, which creates a huge problem.

Stephanie doesn't hold back her anger and speaks to the kids sternly. She tells them that lying is never the answer, and there's never a good enough reason to lie. The kids feel guilty and apologize. Stephanie shows them the importance of honesty and why it's essential always to tell the truth, even if it means you'll get in trouble. She sets an example by confessing to her publisher that she didn't write a book her previous client commisioned her, and had borrowed work from other authors to complete it. She voluntarily repays his advance and accepted no additional fee for her work.

Stephanie's honesty teaches the kids a valuable lesson. At the end of the episode, they get a chance to show her they've understood the importance of honesty. Gabby needed a science project ghostwritten, but instead of lying, they all decide to get help with it so they can compete. Stephanie takes this as a sign that the kids have learned how important it is to tell the truth, despite how things may turn out. She teaches them this valuable lesson to set them up for success in life.

This episode of Instant Mom holds some important lessons that viewers, especially young ones, can learn from. Telling the truth is essential, no matter what the consequences may be. Stephanie shows how honesty is the backbone of all relationships and how it helps build trust and respect. The show teaches viewers to always be honest and transparent since these values will help them to lead a fulfilling, happy life.