Busted! How to Handle it When Your Child LiesBusted! How to Handle it When Your Child Lies
Mental Health Matters
Explore why kids lie and learn how parents can handle it by fostering trust and understanding.
27:41•8 May 2025
Why Kids Lie: Handling Fibs with Grace
Episode Overview
- Lying is often developmentally normal for kids.
- Avoid punishing reactions; focus on understanding.
- Build trust through open communication.
- Explore the value of honesty with children.
- Use curiosity to uncover underlying reasons for dishonesty.
“"Kids lie. But it kind of freaks parents out because you're like, I didn't teach them to lie."”
Kids lying is as common as rainy days in the UK, and it can leave parents scratching their heads in confusion. This episode of Mental Health Matters dives into why children fib and how parents can handle it without losing their cool. Host Liz Lange chats with parenting experts Jeremiah and Selena Woodruff from Core Connection, who share their wisdom on understanding the motivations behind a child's dishonesty.
They highlight that lying is often just a way for kids to avoid punishment or navigate tricky social situations. The podcast suggests that instead of reacting with anger or punishment, parents should focus on building a connection and understanding the root cause of the lie. It's all about curiosity, asking questions like, "Why does my child feel the need to lie?" This approach not only helps in addressing the issue but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
Jeremiah and Selena emphasise the importance of trust and communication, encouraging parents to explore honesty's value with their kids. Anecdotes are sprinkled throughout, including a humorous tale of a child's creative Teacher Appreciation card that needed a bit of parental guidance. It's these stories that bring warmth and relatability to the discussion, reminding us that parenting is a learning journey for everyone involved.
So, if you're keen to tackle those fibs with finesse and foster a stronger relationship with your child, this episode is packed with practical advice and heartfelt stories. Give it a listen – it might just change your perspective on those little white lies.

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