Why Kids Lie - Age by Age
Earlier this year when my son was still in preschool, I was worried for a while about the increased number of fibs he was starting to tell. Yes, I should say “lies”, but being that he was only 4, I had a hard time accepting these elaborate fabrications he was sharing and that he told them with such confidence as if they were absolutely real.
For example, as I pulled into the parking lot to pick him up from school one day, both his teachers ran over to the car to ask how my arm was and if I was feeling better. Turns out he not only told them I fell and broke my arm but that I was still in the hospital. No wonder they looked at me so oddly when I pulled up.
I was at a loss as to how to really handle this situation. I mean, at such a young age, what would his motivation be to come up with these stories? Most of his other stories haven’t been as bizarre as my broken arm, but nevertheless, I felt the need to do my own research so I could confront this issue in the most effective manner.
Here is a good article I came across that helped me not overreact to the situation. As any other parent, I want to raise children with strong values so it’s something I want to take seriously, but I don’t want to respond so drastically that it makes matters worse.
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