Exploring the delicate balance between honesty and lies when raising children, the chapter dives into cultural differences in parenting approaches, including the prevalence of lying in Asian families versus American families. The speakers discuss setting boundaries based on children's age and maturity, emphasizing the importance of providing age-appropriate information while maintaining empathy and respect. The conversation extends to broader questions about the ethics of lying in relationships and various scenarios beyond parent-child dynamics.
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).