Video Audio Misc. Children and Lying - The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Honesty and dishonesty are learned in the home.
Parents are often concerned when their child or adolescent lies.
This is normal activity because they enjoy hearing stories and making up stories for fun. These young children may blur the distinction between reality and fantasy. Parents should respond to isolated instances of lying by talking with the youngster about the importance of truthfulness, honesty and trust. Some adolescents discover that lying may be considered acceptable in certain situations such as not telling a boyfriend or girlfriend the real reasons for breaking up because they don't want to hurt their feelings. Some children, who know the difference between truthfulness and lying, tell elaborate stories which appear believable.