Don't set the stage for a lie.

Why Kids Fib

One day, Billy's mom notices that $20 is missing from her purse. Then she spots a new toy on 10-year-old Billy's dresser. Next to the toy is $5 and a receipt for $14.56. Interesting, she thinks, since Billy was complaining of having no money only yesterday, and he doesn't get his allowance until tomorrow. She asks Billy, "Where did you get the money for this toy?" He stammers, "I found it."

All kids lie. Telling an occasional lie and being a liar are two different things. All children lie at one time or another. However, few children actually become liars.

Young children, especially preschoolers and early elementary-age kids, often stretch the truth. But these exaggerations have nothing in common with lies. They happen because the child has a rich imagination, is more than a tad impulsive, and is a natural "ham." The more creative and imaginative the child, the more likely it is the child will tell outrageous stories. The stories themselves are harmless and don't qualify as true lies.

Even in the case of children who lie habitually, it's usually less a sign of moral weakness or psychological problems than a matter of mismanagement by parents. Kids who lie habitually generally lack a sense of accomplishment. Lying fills this void and develops into a game.

Actually, most lies can be prevented. Even a child who has become hooked on lying can be "cured" through understanding and proper handling.