12 Lies Parents Tell That Have Long-Lasting Effects

Every parent tells their kids little white lies at some point. Unfortunately, while they might seem harmless or done with the best of intentions, they actually have more of an impact than we realize. Here are twelve of these lies! We’re not saying that you should stop telling them—just that you should know the effects they have as your kids grow up.

Featured Image Credit: serezniy /Depositphotos.com.

Santa Claus and the Naughty List

Shocked Man in Santa Claus Costume
Image Credit: Pexels.com.

Who hasn’t used the big guy in the red suit as a behavior management tool? Telling kids that Santa only brings gifts to the well-behaved seems like a fun way to keep them in line, but it also introduces the idea that we should only follow the rules to get something in return. Kids should be nice just to be nice!

The Tooth Fairy’s Financial Incentives

Girl brushing teeth
Image Credit: websubstance /Depositphotos.com.

While the Tooth Fairy is a fun tradition, it may give kids the wrong idea about economics. They might believe that they can make money without actually earning it and that’s just wrong. Sure, it’s a cute story—but the Tooth Fairy makes the real lessons about money a little harder to understand later on.

“We’ll Come Back Later” at the Store

Montreal, Canada - November 27, 2017: Dollarama Retail Store Indoor Aisle with Toys, Furnitures and all the Cheap Items Available. — Photo by aetb
Image Credit: aetb /Depositphotos.com.

In the toy aisle, you likely promise your child you’ll “come back later” for that toy they just can’t live without. But you know full well you won’t! It’s a quick fix that unfortunately teaches kids that promises are made to be broken. No matter how small it seems, it’s these little moments of doubting your trust that build up over time.

The Existence of the Boogeyman

Image Credit: TheVisualsYouNeed/Depositphotos.com.

Using the Boogeyman as a way to scare kids into behaving or staying in bed does work in the short term yet it also creates unnecessary fears. Kids will start feeling anxious about imaginary dangers. That’s not exactly the kind of bedtime routine we want to encourage—we should teach them to be brave, instead.

“I Always Know When You’re Lying”

Father and son arguing, conflict, argument
Image Credit: ZaraMuzafarova/Depositphotos.com.

Parents sometimes claim they have a built-in lie detector because they want to make their kids honest. However, it makes kids feel as though they’re always being watched—and not in a good way. It damages their sense of trust and may even prevent them from speaking openly. Kids need to feel safe to talk about anything, not worried they’re being constantly tested.

“You Can Be Anything You Want to Be”

Father and daughter quarreling, argue, conflict, relationship issue, yelling, shouting
Image Credit: SergIllin/Depositphotos.com.

Who doesn’t want to tell kids they can shoot for the stars & be whatever they dream of? But we have to keep it real and talk about the sweat, tears and time it takes to get there. Dreams are great yet they don’t just happen overnight—children need to be ready to work hard for them. This way, they’ll also be ready to put in the effort.

“Crying Is for Babies”

Sad little child with teddy bear sitting on floor with psychologist
Image Credit: AndrewLozovyi/Depositphotos.com.

Saying crying is only for babies is a way to tell kids to keep all their feelings locked up. That’s not okay. Everyone needs to let out a good cry now & then because it’s healthy to show emotions. We should talk about what’s bothering us. Telling kids it’s okay to cry helps them understand it’s part of being human rather than a sign of weakness.

“We Can’t Afford That Because We’re Saving for Your College”

Saving money
Image Credit: AllaSerebrina /Depositphotos.com.

Talking about saving for college every time money comes up can make kids worry they’re the reason the family can’t have nice things. It puts a lot of weight on their shoulders so try teaching them about saving money instead. They’ll understand why it’s important without feeling guilty about future plans. 

“Your Pet Went to Live on a Farm”

Two Women In Black Outfit Standing In Front Of A Grave, Funeral, Death
Image Credit: Pexels.

Telling kids their pet went to a farm instead of being honest about death does seem kinder. Unfortunately, it avoids an important part of life—learning to say goodbye. Understanding loss is hard but important, so it’s better to help kids through these moments with honesty. Then they’ll know it’s okay to feel sad and miss someone.

“Bad Grades Mean You Won’t Succeed in Life”

Grades
Image Credit: Andy Barbour /Pexels.com.

Telling kids that a bad report card spells doom for their future is simply untrue. Success doesn’t just come from your grades! Such pressure makes kids anxious about every test & assignment, making them think that each one could make (or break) their future. They need to know life is full of chances to grow.

“We’re Just Taking a Break”

Father and son having conflict
Image Credit: ZaraMuzafarova /Depositphotos.com.

When parents say they’re “just taking a break” during a divorce, kids hold onto hope for a happy reunion. Sadly, reality becomes harder to accept when the truth finally hits. It’s better to be upfront in a gentle way so that kids can start adjusting to the new normal. After all, they deserve to know the truth even when things are changing.

“It Doesn’t Matter What Others Think of You”

Child showing tongue
Image Credit: Pavel Danilyuk /Pexels.com.

While saying “other people’s opinions don’t matter” sounds empowering, it’s really not that simple. You have to please other people in job interviews or when making friends! Kids should learn to balance being true to themselves with understanding respect—that’s one of the best ways to approach life.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

Like our content? Be sure to follow us.

12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers

Photo provided by ccipeggo via Pexels

Baby Boomers, typically those born between 1946 and 1964, have faced scrutiny and criticism from various quarters. This phenomenon of animosity towards Baby Boomers has multiple roots, ranging from economic factors and cultural shifts to generational conflicts and perceptions of privilege. Exploring these facets can provide insight into the 12 major reasons why some people harbor so much hatred for Baby Boomers.

12 Major Reasons Why People Have So Much Hatred For Baby Boomers

20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive

Couple
Image Credit: Dimitri Kuliuk /Pexels.com.

Discover the hidden truths of Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving but Are Dangerously Deceptive”. This thought-provoking journey challenges our notions of love, empowers us to build healthier bonds, and brings surprising revelations.

20 Relationship Habits That You Think Are Loving, but Are Actually Dangerously Deceptive

The 15 Worst-Selling Cars in America

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Not every automobile model captures public attention or meets consumer expectations. The market celebrates top sellers, but some cars struggle to find buyers. High prices, unattractive designs, subpar performance, or failure to stand out in a highly competitive market contribute to poor sales.

In this article, we examine some of the worst-selling cars in America, highlighting cars that may have missed the mark, from once-promising models to niche vehicles that never found an audience.

The 15 Worst-Selling Cars in America