Why do kids say truth is

Talwar says. In response to a lie, be firm and serious, and say, "That sounds like you're not telling the truth" or "Are you absolutely sure that's what happened? Avoid confronting the child further or digging for the truth unless the situation is serious and demands more attention.

Between the ages of 5 and 8, children will tell more lies to test what they can get away with, especially lies related to school -- classes, homework , teachers, and friends. Maintaining the lies may still be difficult, even though they are becoming better at concealing them.

Also, notice when a child is being honest and provide praise and positive feedback. Most important, because school-age children are keen observers, continue to be good role models. Be careful about what reflexive lies you may be used to saying -- even something as small as "Tell them I'm not at home" when you are -- can send a very mixed message to a school-age child.

For trickier situations, as when your child must offer thanks for a gift that she doesn't like, help her focus on the positive aspects of the gift. Explain to her, "I know you don't love your new sweater and it makes your neck itchy, but think about all the hours Grandma put into knitting it. That's the really special part about her gift and that's something you can honestly thank her for.

Most children this age are well on their way to establishing a hardworking, trustworthy, and conscientious identity. But they are also becoming more adept at maintaining lies and more sensitive to the repercussions of their actions, and they may have strong feelings of guilt after lying. Forthright and longer conversations about honesty are definitely necessary, as there will be rare "little white lie" moments when some dishonesty is acceptable in order to be polite or to spare another person's feelings.

When situations like this arise, be straightforward with your child to avoid sending mixed messages. Start a conversation with, "You know how always telling your parents the truth is very important, right?

Well, there are also times when it's important to be polite and not hurt another person's feelings. If we're visiting friends and they serve a lunch you don't like, it's not polite to make a big scene and refuse to eat.

Sometimes they feel worried about the lie itself and create more lies. Your child threw his coat on the floor instead of hanging it up. When you ask about it, they say they did hang it up, even though you both see it on the floor. Your child then creates further lies — the dog pulled it off the hook or the wind blew it down. Regardless of how it got on the floor, he will learn that he is still responsible for picking it up.

We see a friend and they ask how we are. Your child sees this and tries to figure out how this is being honest. Your child listens intently when you talk about being honest with people. On their birthday, they get a green stuffed animal from a friend. They proudly announce they hate the color green and throw it to the side. They feel they were honest and the friend feels hurt.

Avoiding Tasks Some chores are not fun or are challenging, but have to get done. You ask why. They may lie to impress other kids or fit in.

Kids may hear their parents or other adults use sarcasm and not understand it. Getting Attention Your child may want to seek attention with a lie or even want to see how you react.

Fear of Punishment If you punish your child, rather than use positive discipline, your child may lie if they worry the truth will bring a punishment. Reassure your child that they: Are safe with you Telling the truth will make things better.

If your child is being bullied in school, talk with school personnel. If they are being abused, seek professional help. What To Do About Lying?

Talk with your child about why lying is not okay. Tell them how you feel when they lie — upset, disappointed, unsure when you can believe them. Give your child a chance to tell the truth and provide solutions. When someone spills something, they can clean it up. Would you like to get something to clean up the spill you made? When they tell the truth, give positive feedback.

Separate the behavior from the lying. Then, give the natural agreed upon consequence for breaking the rule. Preventing Lies Give unconditional love. Let your child know that even when they make mistakes, you love them. They find the balance between sincerity and tact. Although your children lying to you may not seem positive in the slightest, it can actually be a sign that they're able to modify their own realiti Do Children Always Tell the Truth? Children are known for their blatant sincerity, without taking into consideration other people's feelings.

But do children always tell the truth? Garaigordobil, M. Interesting Articles.