It is very common for preschoolers to lie when caught doing something they shouldn't. The part of their brain responsible for self-control is still developing. ... Another cause of lying is fear of punishment. When a child lies to avoid consequences, it might be because they fear your reaction.

Is lying normal for a 4 year old?

Four-year-olds often lie when they don't know how to face the reality of a situation, or when they have a strong wish or desire and don't have the cognitive capacity to think of other ways of getting their wish fulfilled. ... When a child does resort to lying, confront the undesired behavior and move on.

Why does my 4 year old keep lying?

When do children start lying? Children can learn to tell lies from an early age, usually around three years of age. This is when children start to realise that you aren't a mind reader, so they can say things that aren't true without you always knowing. Children lie more at 4-6 years.