Parenting Tips: Why do children start telling lies? Know how to get rid of it..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 16 Apr, 2025
Providing proper upbringing to children is a challenging journey in which parents have to face many difficulties. According to psychology, often our mind is more attracted to doing those things that are prohibited. This also applies to children. Most children try to do the same work which they are forbidden to do and when caught, they start lying to hide their mistakes. For example, many small children eat mud, but when asked, they immediately deny it. Children lying can be a part of their mischief and is considered normal childhood behavior. But, when this habit is repeated again and again and lying on every matter becomes their habit, then it can become a matter of concern. If this habit is not corrected in time, then it can cause serious problems for the parents when they grow up. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the behavior and habits of children from childhood, because if it is ignored, then this habit can come out in a bigger form in adolescence. First of all, it is important to understand how the habit of lying develops in children.

Why do children lie?
According to psychology, the behavior and habits of children are greatly influenced by the environment around them. In other words, the first school of children is their home and the first teacher is their parents. Whatever children see their parents or family doing, they also adopt the same habits in their lives. Although parents try their best to give a good upbringing to their children, often they forget that even their small habits can have a big impact on children.
A study conducted by the University of California, America, found that children who had seen an adult lying repeatedly in their journey till the fifth grade had developed the habit of lying to hide their mistakes. This means that even if you always teach your child to speak the truth, if the child has seen you lying, then he can also adopt it in his behavior.
Apart from this, when children do not feel safe among their family or parents, they start making up new stories. Many times children also start lying to save their parents from stress. Apart from this, the content available on TV and the Internet also affects the behavior and habits of children.
Apart from this, there can be some other reasons why children start lying. For example, when they make a mistake, they try to hide the truth for fear of punishment. Sometimes they make up fictional stories to attract the attention of others. In adolescence, children also exaggerate about themselves due to social pressure and to show their image better. Young children often cannot differentiate between imagination and reality, due to which they start presenting wrong facts.
If the family environment is not good, children can get stressed. In this situation, they create a virtual world of their own and start believing it to be true. Although the habit of lying in children can be a matter of concern for parents, if the right strategy is made, then it can be got rid of.
The solution will come from a conversation.
It is very important to establish an open and comfortable dialogue with children from childhood so that they can share their problems and thoughts with you without any fear or hesitation. For example, when the child comes back home from school, welcome him with a smile and show interest in his day's activities. This will make the child feel how much you are interested in his life. Apart from this, instead of giving the good habits that you want to teach him in the form of instructions, explain them through examples. Children do not need only words to learn, but they also learn a lot from the examples around them.
Be patient
Children's minds are very playful and curious, so it is not necessary that they understand something in one go. From childhood to adolescence, children learn and experience something new every day, which increases their curiosity and inquisitiveness. In such a situation, you should be patient. Reacting immediately to your child's words can push him away from you. Instead, listen to him calmly, and if you do not agree with him, try to explain your point of view to him in a calm manner.
Be a positive role model.
Children imitate the habits and behavior of their parents and other elders, which gradually becomes a part of their habits. That is why, it is important to present an ideal and positive personality in front of children. This will make children learn good habits from you and follow them in life. Follow the rules you make for your child. When children see you speaking the truth, they will also get inspired to do the same. Through your behavior, you can teach them that truth and honesty are always the best.
Do not put pressure
Every child is different from the other, and it is very important to understand that every child has his characteristics and abilities. Yet, many times parents start putting extreme expectations on their child to make him look better in front of society. As a result, the child feels a lot of pressure and starts lying to escape that pressure. This pressure can harm his mental state. Instead, parents should let the child move forward according to his own pace and ability instead of imposing the burden of their dreams on him. If the child is lying repeatedly, then instead of reacting with anger, try to understand the reason behind his lying and work patiently. When the child sees that he gets love and support instead of punishment for telling the truth, he will gradually give up the habit of lying.
The habit of accepting mistakes
It is natural to make mistakes in childhood. But many parents start punishing their children for every small mistake to keep them in discipline. This creates a fear of punishment in the child's mind and he starts lying to hide his mistake. Instead, parents should assure the child that if he admits his mistake, he will not be punished but will be helped to find a solution. By doing this, the child's trust in the parents will increase and he will be able to give up the habit of lying.
Keep the rules and expectations clear.
All parents raise their children with affection and love and take care of all their needs. But at the same time, rules should not be ignored in the house. Create an open and comfortable environment for children, where they can express their disagreements or opinions without fear. But at the same time also explain to them the importance of honesty, so that they do not resort to lies to get their point across. Make them aware of family values and discipline, so that they can understand that nothing is more important than truth.

Use of motivational examples
Some research has found that positive and motivational stories are very effective in teaching good habits to children. Just saying, "Lying is a bad habit," doesn't have much of an impact on children. Instead, motivational stories based on the victory of honesty and truth appeal to them more. Instead of explaining with words, introduce them to events or books that show the importance of honesty and truth. This will not only help children understand but will also inspire them to adopt these qualities in their lives.
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