Children lie for different reasons. Here are the Five most common reasons and the kinds of lies youngsters tell.
THEY LIE TO COVER-UP
Cover-up lies are told to avoid getting punished. Deliberate lying behavior in children is partly influenced by how they perceive the negative consequences of disclosing the truth versus the positive consequences of telling the truth. Lying about misbehavior is greater for kids who expect harsh punishment such as spanking.
THEY LIE TO BRAG
Nevertheless, lies are told in order to brag about or exaggerate one's accomplishments. The kids intend to gain higher self-esteem. For instance, children may falsely claim to have won an award when they have not.
THEY MIX IMAGINATION AND REALITY
An intentional lie occurs when a child intentionally makes a false statement to create false beliefs in others. However, children can mistake their fantasies for reality and unknowingly lie about them. When young children lie about something, it is important to determine whether they are confused about fantasies or attempting to keep secrets.
Fantasy lies include elements from a fantasy world. Typically, these elements are to take the blame or serve what the child wishes to do.
THEY LIE TO BE POLITE
Children are taught not to lie early on. But in certain social situations, they are also taught, implicitly or explicitly, that they shouldn’t tell the blunt truth. Kids tend to lie in situations they are expected to be polite. For example, when children receive unwanted gifts, they deceive adults by pretending to enjoy them. Or if a child believes that admitting wrongdoing will disappoint their parents, they may lie to conceal the truth.
THEY LIE TO SHIELD OTHERS
Selfless lies are told in order to protect others, most often peers or parents.
They might or might not be asked directly, but they feel compelled to comply out of concern.
