Why Do People Lie?
True or False: People that lie are bad people
Answer: False
Explanation: Kids (and adults) usually lie because they feel scared, embarrassed, worried about consequences, or want approval. Lying is often about avoiding feelings, not being “bad.”
If you’re scared to tell the truth, a better choice is:
A. Make up a bigger lie
B. Blame someone else
C. Take a deep breath and tell part of the truth
D. Run away
Answer: C
Explanation: Pausing and calming down helps the brain think clearly. Even saying, “I’m nervous to tell you” is a strong start.
True or False
Lying can make it harder for people to trust you.
Answer: True
Explanation: Trust is built on honesty. When someone lies repeatedly, others may question what’s true.
When your heart beats fast and you feel nervous, that feeling might be:
A. Excitement
B. Fear
C. Hunger
D. Sleepiness
Answer: B
Explanation: Fear often triggers lying because the brain goes into “avoid trouble” mode.
True or False
Telling the truth can sometimes reduce your consequences.
Answer: True
Explanation: Many adults respond more positively to honesty than dishonesty.
A common reason kids lie is:
A. They want to be evil
B. They feel afraid of getting in trouble
C. They hate everyone
D. They don't care
Answer: B
Explanation: Fear of punishment is one of the biggest reasons kids lie. Helping kids feel safe telling the truth reduces lying.
You accidentally spill juice on the couch. What is a better choice?
Answer: Admit it and offer to help clean it up.
Explanation: Taking responsibility builds trust. Adults are usually less upset when kids are honest.
When you tell the truth, people are more likely to:
A. Trust you
B. Ignore you
C. Laugh at you
D. Send you away
Answer: A
Explanation: Honesty builds safety and reliability in relationships.
You feel embarrassed because you gave a wrong answer in class. Instead of lying, what can you say?
Answer: “I got it wrong” or “I’m still learning.”
Explanation: Accepting mistakes reduces shame and builds confidence.
Which statement builds trust?
A. “It wasn’t me.” (when it was)
B. “I did it. I’m sorry.”
C. Silence
D. Blaming the dog
Answer: B
Explanation: Accountability builds credibility.
Jordan broke a lamp while playing ball in the house. When his mom asks what happened, he says, “I don’t know.”
Why might Jordan lie?
Answer: He might be scared of getting in trouble or worried about his mom being mad.
Explanation: Lying often happens when someone feels anxious about consequences. Teaching coping skills for fear helps reduce lying.
True or False
Saying, “I made a mistake” is a sign of weakness.
Answer: False
Explanation: Admitting mistakes shows maturity and courage. It actually builds respect.
A coach finds out you lied about practicing. What might happen to trust?
Answer: The coach may trust you less.
Explanation: Trust takes time to build and can be damaged quickly by dishonesty.
True or False
Big feelings can make it harder to make good choices.
Answer: True
Explanation: When emotions are high, the thinking part of the brain works less effectively.
Your friend asks if you cheated on a game, and you did. What is the healthiest choice?
Answer: Admit it and apologize.
Explanation: Friendships rely on honesty. Repair is better than hiding.
True or False: Sometimes people lie because they feel embarrassed.
Tell me about a time where you felt embarrassed and as a result you decided to lie.
Answer: True
Explanation: Embarrassment is uncomfortable. Some kids lie to protect themselves from feeling ashamed or judged.
If you feel embarrassed, you can:
A. Yell
B. Lie
C. Say, “This is hard to admit…”
D. Pretend nothing happened
Answer: C
Explanation: Naming the feeling helps regulate it and shows honesty at the same time.
True or False
One lie can sometimes lead to needing more lies to cover it up.
Answer: True
Explanation: Lies often snowball. One lie creates pressure to keep lying to protect the first one.
A good strategy before answering a tough question is:
A. Count to 5
B. Blame someone
C. Make a joke
D. Deny everything
Answer: A
Explanation: Pausing helps the brain shift from emotional reaction to thoughtful response.
True or False
Fixing a lie later is better than never fixing it.
Answer: True
Explanation: Repairing trust is always better than continuing dishonesty.
Chris didn’t finish his homework but tells the teacher he left it at home. What feeling might be underneath the lie?
Answer: Possible answers: anxiety, embarrassment, fear of punishment, feeling overwhelmed.
Explanation: Lying often covers up a vulnerable feeling. Identifying the feeling helps teach better choices.
You told a lie yesterday. What is the best next step?
Answer: Admit the truth and apologize.
Explanation: Repairing trust is powerful. Owning a mistake often reduces consequences and strengthens relationships.
Sam lies about finishing chores. His parents later discover the truth. What are two possible consequences?
Answer: Loss of trust, extra consequences, closer supervision.
Explanation: The consequence is often worse because of the lie, not just the original behavior.
You’re afraid your parent will yell. What could you say instead of lying?
Answer: “I’m nervous to tell you something.”
Explanation: Sharing the feeling invites support instead of conflict.
You lied because you felt scared. What are 3 better tools you could use next time?
Answer:
Take a deep breath
Say how you feel
Tell the truth
Ask for help
Explanation: Teaching replacement behaviors is key. Kids need tools, not just rules.