Problems such as impulsivity, an apparent inability to link consequences with behaviour, inattentiveness and discomfort with social situations may be at the heart of lying. In such cases, the immediate intervention of a qualified counsellor who is able to work with children is required. Such counsellors would be able to provide parents with specific parenting styles and a deeper understanding of the problem they face. In addition, the child will receive age- appropriate psychotherapy, and be connected with medical specialists providing the necessary services. There are still some fundamental reasons why children lie compulsively.
Fear is a common motivator for lying.
Such fear may be rational or irrational, but the effect of lying is similar - a temporary shelter from punishment. Consider two important implications. First, children who lie out of fear usually know that they have done something that is wrong. This provides an important clue for parents responding to the lying child. Consider that the child's problem is not in knowing what is wrong, but in resisting its temptation.