Does Your 4 Yr Old Lie?

I've had a few hundred 4 year old's in my daycare through the years plus my own 4 daughters. 4 year old's lie. If anyone thinks theirs doesn't, then they are really good at it LOL! It's just the age that it starts. Eventually, they grow out of it. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on it yet. Just talk a lot (often, not lecture) about the importants of knowing between truth and lie, fact, fiction, right, wrong, etc. They may know it's not true. But they don't yet fully understand why it's wrong. It's also a good time to read them stories like, "The boy that cried wolf".

I wouldn't consider those specific instances lying. They are signs of an active imagination, which is a sign of intelligence and creativity. Play along and ask if the cat was purple or green... I will tell you, though, that my four-year-old does tell actual lies, usually about something naughty he's done.

Yes! My 4 yr old lies! Its just the age. Usually I can just give him a look and he is like "Okay, thats not true" or "im just jokin around"

Dont fret...

YES!!! My 4 yr old just started this. Even when he knows he did something wrong and we ask him if he did it, he will say no or someone else did it. I think its the age and to see what they can get away with. as far as things like what you are saying it might be just a big imagination.

The distinctions between truth and imagination are very flimsy at this age, S.. What you describe is normal. My 4yo granson is doing this, too. I just respond with "Hmm." or "That's interesting." Making an issue out of it might just strengthen the impulse.

Kids will also tell you what they think you most want to be true. If they spill the milk right in from of you, they are likely to deny it if they think it triggers anger or annoyance in you. They just want to please you.

Talk about truth and lies occasionally, without blaming, accusing, or stressing the ones he comes up with. He'll gradually get it. Of course it's important that you be truthful, or he'll be confused. (For example, don't make untrue excuses on the phone in front of your children. They notice.)