Lies in children are quite common and very frequent, especially between two and four years of age. Although many parents worry about this type of behavior, the truth is that lying is something normal in the development of children. It is true that telling lies is something that is not right and is frowned upon on a social level, but in the case of children it can mean optimal development at a cognitive level.
Lies in children help them to begin to develop various feelings such as empathy. Then we will tell you a little more about lies in children and if you have to worry about them.
The lies in relation to age
The lie of a three-year-old is not the same as that of a six-year-old. In the case of the lies of young children, they are usually funny and without any evil. Over the years, lies are often conscious and a behavior that must be corrected as soon as possible.
It is difficult for a young child to defend his mentira, while from the age of seven or eight, they are capable of hiding a lie from their parents or other close people. However, and lacking empathy, the little ones lie out of self-interest while the older ones can feel bad for having lied to someone important in their lives.
According to some studies, Children reaching adolescence are more likely to lie, especially to their parents and teachers. In most cases, such lies are about topics such as sex, money or studies. Over time, these lies can become pious and without any evil and others that can harm certain people and not be accepted in a social way.
Should I be concerned if my child lies?
At first, children's lies shouldn't be of any concern to parents. Lies are not something exclusive to children and it is strange that the adult who has not lied at some time in his life. In most cases, the child when lying does so without any intention of harming anyone. If the father observes that when his son lies he is doing it on purpose and with another series of totally inappropriate acts, he should go to a professional.
On many occasions, lies are quite obvious symptoms that the child or young person may suffer a much more serious conduct disorder such as ADHD. Parents should also start to worry if lies are used to hide other types of mental problems. In such cases, it is important to go to professionals who know how to clarify whether the child's own lies are an indication that he may have a mental problem.
Lies as part of development in children
As we already indicated to you before, lying is something common in most children and is part of the good development of the smallest of the house. It is quite normal that with the passage of time, these lies will subside. If you observe how your son's lies get worse, it is advisable to go to a mental health expert. On many occasions, behind the lies there can be a rather serious and serious behavior problem.
In short, if your young child lies to you, you must give it the right and necessary importance. There is no reason to worry, since at certain ages children use lies as part of their development. As long as they are unimportant lies, parents can rest assured.