Lying in Childhood (Parenting Pointers Book 12)

Parents should be concerned when a child consciously and frequently misrepresents the truth. The lying behavior may be a “cry for help,” an inappropriate reaction to family or social problems or, when accompanied by other symptoms, a sign of psychological disturbance. Mental health professionals disagree on the cause(s) of lying in childhood. Some believe lying is unconscious, that children – especially very young children – are not fully aware that they are lying. Others believe lying is a symptom of a poor parent/child relationship. Mental health professionals generally do agree, however, that frequent lying is a cause for serious concern and that the psychological, social and moral development of the child may be at risk.