How to Stop Lying to Parents

We’ve all been in situations where our parents asked (or even insisted) about something, and it seems like a short lie can get you out of trouble. In fact, lying will get you in more trouble. Even so, you have actively chosen to stop lying to your parents by reading this article. It’s commendable! Keep learning and you’ll break the habit of lying. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some tips and tricks you can use to be honest with your parents.

Table of Contents

Think before you speak.

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This will help you to stop lying when the urge arises. It’s completely normal to feel like lying to get out of trouble or get what you want. It is important that you do not act on that desire. Consider the consequences of lying and think about how you would feel if your parents cheated on you often. No matter how difficult it is, you should still tell your parents the truth. That way, you’ll feel better right away. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Sometimes the desire to lie is the first thing that pops into your mind when asked by your parents. However, you should take a second to think about what to say in that case.
Fun fact: according to research, telling the truth makes you happier and healthier! People who lie less often have a more stable mood and better physical health. So lying is really not in your favor. ^{[2] X Trusted Sources American Psychpogical Association Go to Source}

Consider the consequences.

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Perhaps thinking about the consequences will help you stop lying. Maybe you’ve been caught lying, and received punishment. Every time you catch yourself wanting to lie to get out of trouble or achieve something, think of the feeling of regret for lying. Here’s how to avoid repeating mistakes. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

For example, if you didn’t do well on a math test and your parents wanted to know the results, remember a time when you were suspended for lying about your results.
Why do you have to lie about going to the party and get banned? That’s not worth it!
Some lies really don’t help you at all. For example, if you lie about being bullied or treated badly, your parents won’t know the difficulties you’re having. They can only help when you tell the truth.

Identify pressures that cause you to lie.

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Finding out why you lied can help you stop it. There is definitely a reason or motive behind the lie. Reflect on your motives for lying and then give up the habit. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

When you want to go to a friend’s house, you may want to lie that the friend’s parents are at home. However, if you lie and get caught, you won’t be allowed to go to that friend’s house for a long time.
Maybe you also want to lie that you’re doing well in school so you can play the game, even though you got a bad grade on your math test. However, this may result in a longer detention.
Or, you want to lie about something more serious like being bullied at school. In this case, perhaps you lied out of fear or shame. Even so, if your parents know what’s going on, they can help you.

Tell your parents why you lied.

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Your parents can find ways to help you stop lying. You just need to choose the right time to talk to a parent or both and explain why. Let them know you find it difficult to tell the truth and give some reasons why you behave the way you do. You should open your heart and honestly share the difficulties you are facing; Surely your parents will be willing to listen and come up with some ways to help you feel comfortable speaking the truth. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For example, if you think your parents take grades seriously, you can tell them this is the reason why you’re afraid to tell the truth every time you make a mistake at school or get a bad grade.
You can also let your parents know their punishment is too heavy and make you want to lie about where to go and what to do to avoid punishment.
If you want to lie because you think your parents won’t accept your point of view, let them know. They will be more open to listening if you always tell the truth.
Your parents will be more comfortable and free for you, if you are honest with them.

Practice telling the truth to your friends.

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You just have to start with the little things and tell your friends a few facts every day. Commit to your efforts to stop lying to your parents. You can change your habits by training with friends! You have to stop lying even if it’s a harmless lie, and try to tell your friends some truth every day. Gradually, you will feel more comfortable in telling the truth, and no longer want to lie to your parents. ^{[6] X Research Source}

That doesn’t mean you need to be honest to the point of hurting your friends. Just being honest with them is enough.
For example, when a friend asks if you watched the football game last night, don’t say you did when you didn’t. While this is completely harmless, it can easily become a habit.

Admit every time you lie.

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Admit your mistake and ask your parents to forgive you. Even if it’s just a small thing, you still need to tell the truth and why you’re lying. Your parents will appreciate your honesty, and this will also motivate you to stop lying in the future. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

You can say, “I’m sorry Mom for lying” or “I’m sorry Dad for lying and I’m sorry.”
When your parents realize that you are completely honest and not hidden, they will be less strict and trust you more.

Find ways to relieve stress.

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Sometimes lying is a response to when you’re under extreme stress. If you’re having a lot of problems at school, work, with friends, or with your lover, things can pile up and cause you stress. Lying seems like a simple way to relieve stress and avoid adding to it. However, the truth is that this will make things worse. Find activities and exercise that help you reduce stress in a healthier way. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

For example, you can practice yoga, meditation, or deep breathing. You can also work out at the gym or go for a run to exercise to reduce stress and have a refreshing spirit.
If you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities, try finding ways to manage things well (such as scheduling) or cut back on what you can. For example, if studying is too heavy, and you are both on the basketball team and swimming, you can stop joining the basketball team if you are not too interested in the sport.

Keep a diary of your lies.

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This is a way to help you look back and be more aware of lying. If lying becomes a serious problem, you should choose a notebook or notebook dedicated to journaling. Write down all your lies that day and reflect as you write. Thus, you will recognize intentional lies and unconscious lies so that you can become more aware of your behavior, and gradually give up this habit. ^{[9] X Trusted Source Recovery.org Go to Source}

Try to find out the reason behind the lies. What is your engine? Why do you have a habit of lying? Find out what caused you to lie to understand and avoid repeating it in the future.

Advice

Try putting yourself in your parents’ shoes. How would you feel when someone cheated on you? Your parents probably don’t want to punish you, they just want you to be honest!
Dishonesty doesn’t just show up through lying. Hiding important information or avoiding mentioning something is also a form of lying.

Warning

If someone hurts you, tell your parents right away. Don’t lie to protect them or hide the truth. Your parents love you and want to help you.

Steps