But they don't always see the negative impact that even a fib can have on children. A man I know still remembers how he cringed when his father secured a cheaper bus ticket for him by telling the driver that he was five when he was really six. These adults found it easier to justify lying when they were kids by thinking of their own parents' examples. As kids, they couldn't differentiate between degrees of dishonesty. Don't overreact to small lies.
Most kids tell small lies to avoid getting punished or incurring a parent's wrath.
This is normal, self-protective behavior. Instead, calmly remind them that the truth is a value in your household and that you expect them to be honest. Remember to focus on the incident of dishonesty, and don't come to broad conclusions about your child's personality. When parents feel their trust has been violated, they often become angry and run the risk of making children feel that they are habitual liars with serious character flaws. This approach is more likely to open the door for a fearless and truthful dialogue.