AUST The Importance of Imaginative Play and White Lies Essay

I’m working on a psychology writing question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

Lying in Childhood

Children like to make things up. They exaggerate stories to give them a bit more ‘flavour’. In fact, pretending and imagining are important to your child’s development. It’s good to encourage this kind of play. ‘Tall tales’ don’t need to be treated as lies, especially for children under four. A ‘white lie’ is a harmless lie told with good intention – usually to protect the feelings of another person. Children as young as three were able to tell white lies. This happened particularly when the parent coached the child in advance. For example, before a child receives a gift, the child is encouraged to say they like it. In this situation, some children will still tell the truth (‘I don’t like it!’) even if they understand that this might hurt somebody’s feelings.

1) Why?

2) Why do children lie? 

3) When do children start lying? Link to cognitive abilities.

4) Do you remember lying? Does the nature of adult lying differ from that of lying during childhood?

Ideas to consider: manipulation in children – is this about effecting a change in their environment – is the lying malicious — so include a discussion on childhood manipulation and how children may attempt to manipulate others