Why Do Kids Lie?

Judge Judy often asks, "How do you know if a teenager is lying?  When she moves her mouth."  Her Honor might just be right.  Kids do lie.  A lot.  And studies show it can get worse with age if not corrected.  But why do kids lie, and how can we curb the behavior?

First of all, if your child is a good liar, congratulations!  It means he's smart.  But why would a smart kid resort to untruths?  The three main reasons kids lie are to avoid trouble, to protect your image of them, and to up their social status.  So how can we slow down the lying?  Here are some tips:

• Set a good example.  Try not to tell lies in front of your children, and explain what a "white lie" is if your child can comprehend the difference.
• Let your children know how you feel about lying in casual conversations.  ("Sarah at worked today lied about the proposal.  Everyone thinks she's a jerk.)
• Don't shame your child for lying.  If your child is young, the guilt he or she feels will be enough, and shaming is not usually a good parenting tactic, anyway.
• Let the little ones slide, but don't be a fool.  You don't have to punish your child for every lie, but you don't have to let your child think you're a dupe.  Let your kids know that you smell a rat.

What are you tips on lying, and do you have any funny stories to share?