The chapter delves into the topic of parents lying to children and the potential impact on their development. It discusses the distinction between harmful threats and fantasy-based lies, such as Santa Claus, and touches on children's ability to differentiate between truth and lies as they mature.
Why do we tell kids that a fairy will give them cash in exchange for their teeth? How should we talk to them about scary things in the world? And is Mike one of the greatest operatic tenors of all time?
- RESOURCES:
- "Parenting by Lying," by Peipei Setoh, Petrina Hui Xian Low, Gail D. Heyman, and Kang Lee (Current Directions in Psychological Science, 2024).
- "Should You Always Tell Your Kids the Truth? It Depends," by Laura Wheatman Hill (CNN, 2021).
- "Parenting by Lying in Childhood Is Associated With Negative Developmental Outcomes in Adulthood," by Peipei Setoh, Siqi Zhao, Rachel Santos, Gail D. Heyman, and Kang Lee (Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, 2020).
- "The Santa Lie," by Melinda Wenner Moyer (2012).