How Do Parents Deal with Their Teen Who is Lying to Them?
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Pure and simple, teenagers lie. Research after research confirms evidence that teenagers, even when they know better will lie to get away with their behavior or to get what they want. In fact, after conducting research from people of all ages, teenagers not only lied the most but were deemed to be the best liars.
From the research that has been compiled over the years, teens overall should be expected to lie. 60 percent of teens admitted to lying up to 5 times a day according to a study called From Junior to Senior Pinocchio conducted in 2015. The main reason for their lies - they like the power they feel with each lie and then they must continue covering up what they have already lied about.
How do you know your teen is lying?
There is no one way to decide if your teen is lying to you. Your teen may lie so much that they have become so convincing to you. Some parents believe that their child could not do what they see other teens do and although the parent may get an intuition that something is not right, they do not know how to prove it. Being naive and not following through with checking up with what they are telling you will not serve a good purpose for you or your teenager. Their lying ways are not your fault unless you are modeling this behavior yourself. Lying is mostly just the age of where teens are trying to gain their independence and do not want to disappoint you with their behavior you may not approve of.Does a lying teen mean they will enter into substance abuse?
Not always although research shows that if teens who lie or try to dupe to their parents into believing something else about what they are doing outside the home are statistically more at risk to abuse drugs and alcohol. Teenagers who lie on a regular basis to adults will keep progressing and lie about more dangerous activities that can lead them down a dangerous path to substance abuse.What can you do to prevent lying?
One of the best ways to ward off lying is to have open communications with your teenager. Setting clear boundaries without giving harsh punishment or judgment is one of the most effective ways that your teen can learn how to communicate in an honest manner. Knowing they will have reasonable consequences and can achieve your trust gives them a good incentive to make better choices through communicating with a parental unit they are trying to seek approval from.Stonewater Adolescent Recovery Center offers nationally accredited academic curriculum to give our clients a chance at gaining an education while building a foundation with their sobriety. Our Academic Advisor can meet with you to create an academic plan for your teenage son and ensure balance will be captured with their therapeutic load.
Call us today to start living your recovery: 662-598-4214
