Why Kids Lie and How to Address It

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Kids and adults often lie because they feel guilty about a bad behavior, intertwining it with their identity. By understanding that lying is a coping mechanism to avoid facing their wrongdoings, parents can create a safe space for children to express their mistakes without fearing rejection. Approaching a child's lying behavior with curiosity rather than judgment allows for a deeper exploration of their emotions and needs, leading to meaningful short-term and long-term changes in behavior.

Dr. Becky Kennedy is a clinical psychologist known for her popular parenting advice. She talks with Maya about how shifting to a mindset that children are “good inside” can improve parent-child relationships and make for long-lasting behavior change. Becky explains why her approach can help us navigate all kinds of relationships in our adult lives—with our co-workers, friends, and family members—thanks to simple practices like the "most generous interpretation."

If you enjoyed this episode, you may enjoy "What Children Can Teach Us About Creativity".

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