The truth about why kids lie, with Victoria Talwar, PhD

Most parents want to raise their children to be honest adults, so the first time that they catch their child in a lie it may come as an unpleasant surprise. But psychologists’ research has found that lying is a normal part of childhood. In fact, it’s a developmental milestone. Victoria Talwar, PhD, of McGill University, talks about why kids lie, how lying is tied to cognitive development, how children understand the morality of lying (including the “gray areas” of keeping secrets and tattling), and how parents can encourage truth-telling and honesty in their children. 

 

Links

 

Victoria Talwar, PhD

 

Speaking of Psychology Home Page

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices