Children lie for many different reasons, depending on the situation and their motivation. Children may lie to:
- Cover something up, in an attempt to avoid consequences or punishment
- Expolre and experiment with how their parents' respond and react
- Exaggerate a story to impress others
- Gain attention, even when they are aware the listener knows the truth
- Manipulate a situation to their benefit, for instance, saying to their grandmother, 'Mum lets me have cookies before dinner'.