Psychology Today | 27.10.2026 15:14
Discovering that your child lied can be disappointing, frustrating, or even alarming. Many adults interpret lying as a sign that something has gone wrong. Certainly, we do not wish to be lied to and we have to teach children not only the importance of honesty, but also how to be honest. However, we also need to be careful not to overreact. Understanding why children lie can help us respond thoughtfully rather than react out of frustration. Yet some common beliefs about children’s lies are not supported by developmental research. Understanding what lies do (and do not) mean can help parents respond more effectively. Here are five things parents misunderstand about children’s lies.
