Lying in children

Abstract

In early childhood, it is very likely that the truth will be altered unconsciously. It is true that as children grow older, they become more aware of reality. However, in order to adapt to it, they resort to certain mechanisms, one of which is lying. Young children do not lie in the strict sense of the word, because they do not yet clearly distinguish between their dreams and desires and reality. Sometimes they may lie by imitating role models, whether parents or other children, sometimes out of fear of punishment or to get attention. Becoming aware of what is true and what is false is a learning process in which educational, emotional and personal variables interact.

The article offers a series of ideas and guidelines for parents and educators, which can be used as a reference to effectively help so-called “lying” children.