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Lying and stealing are common, but inappropriate, behaviors in school-aged children.
While some severe forms of these behaviors can indicate a more serious psychological problem, most of the time it is simply a common behavior that will be outgrown.
Lying and stealing are more common in boys than girls, and occur most often in children ages 5 to 8 years.
When confronted with a child who is lying, it is important to first remember the child's age and developmental stage.
Children under the age of 3 do not lie on purpose. This age group does not understand what they are saying and instead are just experimenting with language and new-found facts about the world. They might also lie to avoid punishment because they understand the consequences but have an undeveloped moral code.
Children from the ages of 3 to 7 often have problems separating the real world from fantasy. They might have imaginary playmates at this age and enjoy fairy tales and make-believe play. The lies told by this age group are mostly tales that they have made up, not intentional lies.
By the age of 6 or 7, however, children understand what lying is, but will continue to cheat if able.
Children from the ages of 6 to 12 understand what lying is and the moral wrongness of this behavior. However, children may continue to lie in order to test adult rules and limits. The child may admit to telling a lie, but usually they have many reasons for having done so. Rules are very important at this age, so cheating becomes less important.
There are multiple situations that may cause concern. If any of these apply to your child, it is important to consult your child's physician:
Stealing often causes more concern to parents because it may happen outside the home and may affect other people. During the school years, stealing may be a sign of a problem, but it may also be a result of peer pressure and the need for the child to fit in. It is important to look at the whole situation.
Children under the age of 3 take things because they do not understand fully the difference between what is "mine" and what is not. They then may become possessive of their things and protect them. They do not steal with bad intentions.
Children between the ages of 3 and 7 begin to respect things that belong to others. However, this age group will trade property without regard to value if something else is wanted.
The respect for property continues in the school-aged child. By the time the child is 9, the child should respect the possessions of others and understand that stealing is wrong. Children in this age group may continue to steal because of several factors, including:
There are multiple situations that may cause concern. If any of these apply to your child, it is important to consult your child's physician:
Children older than 3 should be confronted with any lying or stealing, but it is important to remember that most of these behaviors are part of growing up and do not represent severe problems. Each child is unique, and your child's physician should be involved with any concerns.
Last Updated 07/2024
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