Children often develop a habit of not telling the truth to their parents, probably because the parents might not have reacted well to one of their past confessions of truth (knowingly or unknowingly). Hence, kids might feel unsafe in opening up or confessing something to their parents.
Although there can be other reasons as well, like, they are themselves aware of the fact that things they have done or continually doing are not right and therefore they prefer to lie as (according to them) it’s safe and avoids the fuss. But, it is better that you find out about the truth as soon as possible and tackle it as an adult.
First of all, how you react is important for your child to formulate an opinion whether to tell you the truth in the future or not. Surely there won’t be any parents who would like their child to hide anything from them.
But, how to find out whether your child is lying to you? Well, look for these tell-tale signs:
#1. Avoiding Eye Contact
This is the most common sign. Here the child (who is not a pro at it) will try to avoid the slightest eye contact with the parent. And, even if they establish eye contact, there will be something strange about it, like, it might be too long or without blinking, etc.
#2. Repetition
While telling a lie, the child is more likely to repeat the question or try to twist it around in different words, to have more time to think of an excuse.
#3. Face-touching
Look for the obvious signs of nervousness, such as scratching the ear, biting nails, etc.
#4. Inconsistent story
If your child is telling you a false story, then it is going to be very inconsistent and will not flow in a particular order or pattern.
#5. Overreaction
Your child is probably going to be too touchy if you accuse them of something. This is mostly a sign of something that they have actually done.
#6. Blinking Pattern
Eyes are the mirror to the soul; same is true with kids as well. Abnormal blinking while answering your questions, is something that can help you the most with finding out whether your child is lying or not. The speed of blinking will change from the normal (it will be either too quick or too slow).
#7. Lengthy & Confusing Stories
Children often think that by adding details to their lie, they will get away with it. Beware, parents.
#8. Starts Speaking Unusually
The unusual way of speaking might include long pauses, change of tone or speed while lying.
#9. Delayed Response
To think for a longer time, children give a delayed response to their parent’s questions.
#10. Changing The Topic
To avoid the truth, children feel that merely a shift in the parent’s attention can save them from their parents.
#11. Creating Distance
It is seen that the child will not be very close (physically) to the parent while lying. This is because physical closeness makes them extremely uncomfortable.
It is important to note that these are the signs that are most commonly seen in children while lying but, it does not necessarily imply that if your child portrays the above signs, then they are definitely lying. So, even if you notice these signs, dig deeper to know the truth. There might be a chance that your child is too nervous to talk to you about some other matter that might be serious or important. Hence, it would be better if you look into it and not confirm anything without having strong evidence.
If you get to know that your child is lying then, instead of creating a fuss about it, try to see the problem from their perspective. And most importantly, talk to your child about it like a friend and reach a conclusion together (not, like a supreme commander but a team of parent and child).
At times, kids also become aggressive and start proving themselves right!! This is another sign where we can come to know if the child is lying or not!!
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At times, kids also become aggressive and start proving themselves right!! This is another sign where we can come to know if the child is lying or not!!