Experts have claimed that strict parenting styles can turn children into consistent liars, suggesting that they do not feel safe telling the truth in fear of getting into trouble.
A study by Canadian Victoria Talwar, a renowned expert on children’s social-cognitive development at McGill University, examined two schools in West Africa, one with a stricter approach to discipline and one with a more laid-back style.
Researchers developed a ‘peeping test’ devised to test the children by involving them in a game identifying objects by sound only. Researchers then leave the room, asking the children what the object was and asking them if they peeked in the bag.
Dr Victoria Talwar found that the number of students from the relaxed school who lied and told the truth was roughly on par with studies from other schools – but those from the strict school were very quick to lie and did so ‘very effectively’.
The ‘peeping’ experiment findings were explained by psychotherapist Philippa Perry, wife of artist Grayson Perry, on Radio 4 programme Children Who Lie.
Philippa told the Daily Mail: “If a child lies to get out of trouble then that lie is not all down to the child it's a co-created situation.
"The atmosphere has been produced whereby the child does not feel safe telling the truth. So you can't condemn the child for lying.
“We do our kids no favours at all when we persecute them for lying. We can be curious about the lie we can be interested in it and look at our part in it. But being draconian and rigid about it is not going to make a situation better.”
**What do you think about all this? Do you think strict parenting coincides with fear of telling the truth? Would you describe yourself as a strict parent or more laid back? **
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