WHY CHILDREN LIE AND HOW TO MANAGE IT

Many parents are challenged by their little ones' deceptions. Luckily, there's plenty of ways to respond that encourage kids to be more truthful in future!

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Whether it’s a simple fib or a more elaborate untruth, the reality is that kids are likely to tell you a lie somewhere along the way. This might raise some concerns, but understanding why little ones lie and how to respond can help you guide them towards honesty and trustworthiness.

WHY DO CHILDREN LIE?

Many parents assume kids lie to get something they desire, avoid a consequence or sidestep something they don’t want to do. While these are all usual reasons, there are also some less obvious motivations behind why children might not be straight with you - or at least not fully. These are often linked to their developmental stages and the environments they’re spending time in. Recognising the ‘why’ behind the behaviour is the first step in addressing it effectively. Let’s take a closer look!

Developmental stages

Young children, especially those under six, may not yet grasp the difference between fantasy and reality. They might tell tall tales as part of their imaginative play, rather than to deceive you. As children grow, they start to understand the concept of lying but may still struggle with self-control and the impulse to tell untruths.

Fear of punishment

One of the most common reasons children lie is to avoid punishment. If little ones fear the repercussions of their actions, they might choose to lie to escape immediate consequences, as developmentally, they often think in the present, instead of considering the effects of their actions down the line. This is particularly true in environments or homes where mistakes are met with harsh punishments rather than constructive guidance.

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