Child lying can usually be around 3 years of age. This is when children start to realise that you aren’t a mind reader, so they can say things that aren’t true without you always knowing. 

There are a number of reasons why is your Child lying. 

1. To get what they want: If they want something they can lie to you to achieve that. For example if they eat chocolate they can keep telling you that they are hungry and even if you offer them food they would cry and reject it but if you offer them chocolate they will have it. So such as behaviour and lies they can use it to eat the chocolate. 
2. To escape the situation or any specific task: If they don't want to study they will give a number of reasons to escape the situation. 
3. To test out a new behaviour: children can lie because they’ve discovered this novel idea and are trying it out, just as they do with most kinds of behaviours, to see what happens.
4. To enhance self-esteem: Lies to make themselves seem more impressive, special or talented to inflate their self-esteem and make themselves look good in the eyes of others.
5. To seek attention and love: They can lie to seek love as well.
   

What can parents do about Child lying?

1. When it comes to attention-seeking lying, generally speaking, it’s best to ignore it. 
2. If the lying is coming from a place of low self-esteem, help them to boost their confidence and self esteem. 
3. Parents can also be transparent about lying and its consequences.
4. Understanding the reason behind lying and also explaining to them about it.
5. Encouraging them to say the truth. 
6. Help your child avoid situations where they feel the need to lie.
7. Be a role model for telling the truth.
8. Use a joke to encourage your child to own up to a lie.

How to deal with the situation when your child is lying?

1. First, talk softly and calmly.
2. Don't show your anger in your actions or through your words.
3. Let your child know that lying isn’t OK, Your child also needs to know why.
4. Always tell your child when you know that they aren’t telling the truth. But try to avoid continually asking your child if they’re telling the truth. Also avoid calling your child a ‘liar’. If your child believes they’re a liar, they might as well as keep lying. 
5. Make it easier for your child not to lie. You can start by thinking about why your child might be telling lies.
6. Reassure your child that they’ll be safe if they tell the truth.
7. Let your child know you’ll do everything you can to make things better.

Encourage children to tell the truth by emphasising the importance of honesty. Use separate consequences for lies and the behaviour that leads to lies.To learn more or need advice to deal with your child's lying , you can book an appointment with CURA Advanced Physiotherapy.