Why do Children Lie?

Tedd Tripp has a couple of great posts I wanted to share with you about why children lie. He says...

Children tend to lie in two types of circumstances. First, they lie when they fear a consequence so much they will do anything to avoid it, e.g., punishment for hitting. Second, children tend to lie when there is something they desire, and they see lying as the best way to get it; e.g., I am angry with my brother, so I will make up something to make him look bad. In both situations the reason for the lie is the same—a self-centered viewpoint.

How do you deal with this as a parent?  

Reason 1: Lying to Avoid

Reason 2: Lying to Acquire