Stop your kid from turning Pinocchio

Stop your kid from turning Pinocchio
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Highlights

Most of the parents take pride in the good memory of their kids as it helps their kids in staying ahead among their peers and few parents even opt for few techniques to increase the memory power of the children. But a recent survey conducted by the University of Sheffield, Britain revealed that children with strong memories are good at chronic lying and are better liars.

A recent survey conducted by the University of Sheffield, Britain, revealed that children with strong memories are good at lying and hence better liars. Vaishnavi Girish checks out the other side of the story and the danger it portends for Indian children afflicted with this syndrome.

Most of the parents take pride in the good memory of their kids as it helps their kids in staying ahead among their peers and few parents even opt for few techniques to increase the memory power of the children. But a recent survey conducted by the University of Sheffield, Britain revealed that children with strong memories are good at chronic lying and are better liars.

Psychiatrists point out that tendency of lying and covering up is more in the ages between six to eight than ten- year olds. "Brain development is high between the ages of six to 10 which helps children memorise things in a better way. This is when they try to learn and understand their surroundings and also come to terms with emotions like shame, appreciation, and pride.

Kids, to be famous and to be accepted by others, tend to lie and cover up to avoid punishment and trouble", says Namata Kaur, a psychologist. Psychiatrists fear that if not controlled, this tendency of lying develops into a habit and then into a disorder called compulsive lying disorder, which forces the children to lie for every small thing.

Compulsive lying disorder will not subside easily even after the kids grow up. There are greater chances of children developing depression due to continuous lying. Initially it starts as a solution to their problems but once their peers learn the truth they try to avoid the kid which will affect the child mentally and leads to depression and suicidal tendencies", says Dr Sreenivas, clinical psychiatrist.

Luckily there is treatment for this disorder that aids the children to overcome compulsive lying."It's true that there is a treatment and mostly the treatment include anti- depressants, anti -psychotics and cognitive behaviour therapy. But treatment’s success depends on how willing the patient is enabled to seek help.

Medication is easy but psychotherapy is more effective", says Arpita Sharma child psychiatrist. Dr Sreenivas adds: “If you find your kid lying for petty things do not neglect it as a minor issue but take time and teach your kid right and wrong and try spending more time with him to understand underlying problem”.
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