Do Children Copy Their Parents When They Lie?

"Kids lie early, often, and for all sorts of reasons—to avoid punishment, to bond with friends, to gain a sense of control. But now there’s a singular theory for one way this habit develops: They are just copying their parents." Po Bronson.

For two decades, parents have rated ‘honesty’ as the trait they most wanted in their children. Other traits, such as confidence or good judgment, don’t even come close. On paper, the kids are getting this message. In surveys, 98 per cent said that trust and honesty were essential in a personal relationship. Depending on their ages, 96 to 98 per cent said lying is morally wrong.

So when do the 98 per cent who think lying is wrong become the 98 per cent who lie? Read More