Do Strict Parents Raise Better Liars?

3/5/2026

For the purpose of this commentary, the term kid(s) refers to anyone under the age of 18. While the word technically refers to young goats, it is commonly used to describe children and teens, and here it is meant to include all young people under 18, not just younger children.

A popular discussion happening on social media claims that strict parents raise the best liars. This notion is reinforced by parenting opinions that having fear‑based households push kids toward deception as a survival skill.

Debates about parenting styles often ask the same question: Does fear actually teach discipline, or does it simply teach kids how to avoid getting caught?

Some people believe strict households build responsibility and respect for authority. Others argue that when kids feel like they will still get punished for telling the truth, they start hiding things instead of being honest as a way of avoiding.

For many teens, especially, social media makes things worse. When they see what they think is other teens having more freedom than them, their strict rules feel like prison and unfair. Sometimes, this ideation pushes them to move in secret rather than ask for permission.

So the deeper question might be is the real issue strict parenting or the level of trust between parents and their kids? Discipline can create structure, but trust is often what leads to honesty.

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Israel Hernandez 3A

3/6/2026 10:15:36 am

I think strict parents don’t always make kids better liars, but they can make kids want to hide things more. When you’re scared of getting in trouble no matter what, telling the truth feels risky. Kids need rules, but they also need to feel safe being honest, because if parents and kids trust each other, there’s less reason to lie in the first place.

Elyza Muniz 6B

3/6/2026 11:15:21 am

I agree with you because they feel like they cant be honest about on they feel or what the do because on how the parents react on them and what they saw.

Thorpe Zamyriah

3/6/2026 11:39:26 am

I agreee with this because its not that strict parents cause lying, but the fear of punishment can make kids feel like honesty is too risky. When parents balance rules with emotional safety, kids are much more willing to be open

Fraire Y 1A

3/6/2026 05:14:48 pm

Yes that is true it can make kids feel like they will get in to more trouble if they do tell them the truth.And also like you said they lie because there is no trust that there parents will get mad

Nevaeh R 5b

3/9/2026 09:46:02 am

Kids aren’t automatically better liars just because their parents are strict, but strictness does change why they hide things. Also kids are going to do what they want.

ladainian williams

3/6/2026 10:28:59 am

strict parents don't make kids better liars but it makes the child want to keep things to themselves because of a reaction from the parent. In my opinion, parents shouldn't be strict but be more off and respectful of your child space and time.

Elyza Muniz 6B

3/6/2026 11:18:09 am

I agree because parents should be so strict on kids because we are kids and we make mistakes and even adults make mistakes because we are all human and that's okay but I always thought about it like this, when my birth mom told me about her childhood she did worse and I know that they are trying to protect me but she did worse

Valdez K 2A

3/6/2026 04:08:41 pm

I agree. Having strict parents won't immediately makes a child a liar but it certainly will cause them to be more selective of what they share with their parents, especially if the child knows how their parent might react.

Fraire Y 1A

3/6/2026 05:16:47 pm

Yes that is true it wont make them better liars but it will add to the fact that the kids dont want to share to ther parents because they might think they will get upset with them.

Skylar B 6B

3/6/2026 06:21:54 pm

I see your point sometimes kids lie because they know their parents are very strict and not really open minded.

Hurtado J 7B

3/6/2026 11:11:56 pm

Totally agree, not having a trusting relationship with your parents will make you overthink telling your parents what you want to do or where you are going therefore they will lie to not get a overreaction from parents.

Tristan T 7B

3/12/2026 02:02:06 pm

I think strict parenting doesn’t inherently create liars, but it does create an environment where honesty feels risky. When a child expects a harsh reaction, they naturally start protecting themselves by withholding information.

Tristan T 7B

3/12/2026 02:12:48 pm

I don’t believe strict parenting automatically turns kids into liars, but it often creates a situation where being honest feels unsafe. When a child expects a strong or negative reaction, they naturally start holding things back to protect themselves.

Elyza Muniz 6B

3/6/2026 11:09:36 am

I would say sometimes it depends on the topic and the situation because kids lie anyways but if parents are more strict the kids cant be open about things without worrying about the punishment or how the parent would react. I believe that they do to protect themselves as children under 18

Tylen Green 3A

3/6/2026 11:38:54 am

I agree with what this person is saying because like I was saying it depends on certain things the parents do to make the kid like that

Thorpe Zamyriah

3/6/2026 11:41:19 am

I agree with you. Kids are going to lie sometimes no matter what, but when parents are extremely strict, it makes honesty feel unsafe. In those situations, hiding things becomes a way for kids to protect themselves.

Hurtado J 7B

3/6/2026 11:13:39 pm

Totally agree, if your child can't trust you and be open to have talks with you then they will think you will get mad at them for everything so they won't trust you to tell you about their personal life and will always lie to get it their way.

Nevaeh R 5b

3/9/2026 09:41:07 am

I agree kids are going to protect themselves because it creates pressure for them to be able to be honest.

Elyza Muniz 6B

3/6/2026 11:13:36 am

Some strict parents do make good liars because people as of kids are scared of their parents because they know the outcome of it.

Tylen Green 3A

3/6/2026 11:37:44 am

I say strict parents make god liars sometimes depending on what the kid is like because some kids don´t really know anything unless they are shown like sneaking out or lying about eating some cookies

Thorpe, Zamyriah

3/6/2026 11:37:45 am

Strictness alone isn’t the problem..it’s strictness without connection. When kids feel safe, they tell the truth even when it’s hard. When they feel afraid, they hide.The deeper conversation is really about how families build trust, how mistakes are handled, and how kids learn to navigate the world without fear.

Valdez K 2A

3/6/2026 04:04:36 pm

I agree. Strictness is not inherently wrong or an issue unless it becomes an issue when the parent provides no explanation for why they enforce the rules that they do. It's important for the parent to still talk to their child and connect to them human-to-human rather than coming from a place of "authority".

Valdez K 2A

3/6/2026 04:01:47 pm

I think that the trust between the parent and the child is more of an issue than strict parenting. Having expectations and occasional discipline from a parent isn't an issue because if there's trust, the child knows that their parent means well and doesn't feel "scared" or like they're being controlled. Meanwhile, if a parent is just overly strict and gives no reason for their strictness other than "I'm your parent so listen to me", that's when a child doesn't learn "discipline" they're just learning to fear their parent or it's what later in life causes the feeling of restriction and therefore making them likely to want to "rebel". Of course every child is different and will take something different from the experience but ultimately having trust between parent and child is important.

Skylar B 6B

3/6/2026 06:19:22 pm

Yes the trust between parent and child is very important. You can discipline your child but you have to trust instead of controlling them to the point were they feel like they have to lie to you.

Gracie Ramos

3/10/2026 08:38:59 am

I agree with the statement that it's important to have trust within a child and parent relationship. Because if a parent is overly strict, it can cause the child they aren't trusted by their parent.

Fraire Y 1A

3/6/2026 05:12:25 pm

I think that in some cases they do make kids better liers because they kow how to act when they are going to lie so that they can make it seem belivable but also some kids that have strict parents dont know how to lie just because sometimes they are scared of the outcome of lying to ther parents.

Luna W, 1A

3/9/2026 12:20:18 am

That is true and I agree, some strict parents raise the kids enough to know their way around.

Skylar B 6B

3/6/2026 06:15:26 pm

I don’t think strict parents raise great liars necessarily but I think their kids become better at hiding things from them. The more you make your kids feel like they can’t come to you about anything or “ suffocate” them they will find better ways to hide things from you then tell you the truth.

Gracie Ramos

3/10/2026 08:35:51 am

I agree with the statement that strict parent don't necessarily raise great liars, but can lead to their kids being more secretive.

Joaquin J 2A

3/12/2026 12:55:01 pm

I agree because some kids keep the truth from parents to not get introuble and sometimes they get away with it which results with them lying more often.

Armani Cordova 7B

3/12/2026 02:00:21 pm

Causing parents to suffocate they will find better ways to hide and that is so true suffocating the children causing an unsafe environment

Jacobs K 7B

3/12/2026 02:07:00 pm

Yes kids will not come to you if they dont feel like they without being judged or punished without being able to explain or feel seen and heard. Kids are structured by their surrounding they pick up on the actions of those around them and react depending on how they analyze the situation.

Martinez J 7B

3/12/2026 02:34:17 pm

I agree that kids who start to feel uncomfortable in their own home will start to hide things because it makes them feel safer from their strict parents.

Hurtado J 7B

3/6/2026 11:09:42 pm

Strict parents raise great liars. I believe that you if you raise your children as a strict parent they would not be able to trust you, and would most likely hide things behind your back there fore they will get used to lying to you.

Luna W. 1A

3/9/2026 12:16:26 am

I agree, in most cases children with strict parents are likely to lie.

Taylor, Michael 7B

3/12/2026 03:52:18 pm

This is true, but could be the outcome either way.

Luna W 1A

3/9/2026 12:15:28 am

I think strict parents can make kids lie more. If kids are scared of getting introuble, they might hide the truth to avoid punishment. But if they have rules and boundaries that builds trust, the kids can be more honest.

Nevaeh R

3/9/2026 09:29:37 am

Strict parents raise good liars if they aren´t comfortable with their children . Kids feel it´s safer to lie because they´re afraid of how their parents are going to react .

Gracie Ramos

3/10/2026 08:34:18 am

I do think if your are very restrictive and over controlling parent. It will most likely lead your children to become secretive and sneaky. They could possibly grow up feeling like their parents are a safe place for them to express themselves and be kids.

Jacobs K 7B

3/12/2026 01:54:56 pm

This is true but if parents arent supplying a safe and open environment for children it can lead to being ¨ sneaky ¨ or ¨ liars ¨. Parents that provide structure while also having an appropriate punishments and outlets for their children that can lead to honesty and openness in their children.

Joaquin J 2A

3/12/2026 12:52:44 pm

I think that strict parent's raise good liars if the kids are not comfortable with the parents. They build the triat to lie to feel that they have a ledge to get out of.

Armani Cordova 7B

3/12/2026 01:59:27 pm

I agree with statement strict parents can be causing kid to become uncomfortable parents

Martinez J 7B

3/12/2026 02:27:41 pm

i agree, it depends on how the relationship is like between the parent and child is what makes them the way they are.

Taylor, Michael 7B

3/12/2026 03:51:41 pm

I think even if they are comfortable with their parents they could possibly lie. It could be something simple that they just don't want their parents to know about.

Armani Cordova 7B

3/12/2026 01:54:08 pm

The relationship of trust between a parent and child is often more important than strict parenting. Setting rules and giving discipline from time to time isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because when trust is present, the child understands that the parent’s intentions come from care and concern. In those situations, the child is less likely to feel afraid or controlled. However, when a parent is excessively strict and only explains their authority by saying, “I’m your parent, so you have to listen to me,” the child may not truly learn self-discipline. Instead, they may begin to fear their parent. This can also create feelings of limitation or pressure, which may lead the child to rebel later in life. While every child reacts differently, building trust between parents and children is ultimately very important for healthy growth and understanding.

Tristan T 7B

3/12/2026 01:57:05 pm

I don’t think strict parenting automatically turns kids into liars, but it does teach them to become more skilled at hiding parts of their lives. When children feel judged, controlled, or unable to speak openly, they learn to protect themselves by keeping things secret. The more a parent tightens the rules, the more a child learns to navigate around them instead of sharing the truth.

KordaeW 2A

3/12/2026 02:42:02 pm

i agree it them pick up them habits

Lainez H 3A

3/12/2026 02:59:57 pm

I agree that strict parents don’t always make better liars, but they can make kids feel like they have to hide things. When kids are scared of getting in trouble, they might lie or keep secrets instead of being honest. I think it’s important for parents to have rules but also build trust with their kids. When kids feel comfortable talking to their parents, they are more likely to tell the truth.

Khloe King 5B

3/12/2026 03:42:32 pm

strict parents don't automatically create liars, but it can push kids to hide more. When they feel more judged or controlled , secrecy becomes a way to protect themselves, and tighter rules often lead to more sneaking around instead of honesty.

Jacobs Kendall 7B

3/12/2026 02:01:18 pm

It depends on the child as well with the parents. If the parents are calm and open to conversations without jumping to conclusions or getting mad right away. Then its more likely that the children won't be sneaky or liars. But if the parents are quick to jump and dont allow their children to express their feelings and thoughts without being reprimanded immediately. They most likely will be sneaky or less open.

Kordae W 2A

3/12/2026 02:40:56 pm

i agree if there bad then do something

Lainez H 3A

3/12/2026 03:00:43 pm

I agree with you that it depends on the parents and the child. If parents are calm and willing to listen, kids will probably feel more comfortable being honest. But if parents get angry right away or don’t let their kids explain themselves, kids might start hiding things. Trust and communication between parents and kids is really important.

Khloe King 5B

3/12/2026 03:36:47 pm

I agree when parents stay calm, listen , and don't jump to conclusions , kids feel safe being honest. But when parents react harshly of shut down their kids voice , kids learn to hide things instead of sharing them.

Martinez J 7B

3/12/2026 02:25:45 pm

I don't think strict parents make better liars but they do make better hiders, which is not any better but I do believe parents shouldn't be strict unless it is necessary.

Kordae W 2A

3/12/2026 02:40:16 pm

I don't think strict parents make better liars but they do make better hiders,

Lainez H 3A

3/12/2026 02:52:53 pm

Strict parents do not always raise better liars, but very strict rules can sometimes make kids afraid to tell the truth. When kids think they will always get in trouble, they might lie to avoid punishment. This does not mean strict parenting is always bad, because rules can help teach responsibility and respect. However, trust between parents and kids is very important. If kids feel safe being honest, they are more likely to tell the truth. Overall, a balance between rules and trust probably helps kids learn honesty the most.

Khloe King 5B

3/12/2026 03:31:49 pm

Trust is the real foundation. When kids feel genuinely trusted, they’re far more likely to be honest, even when they mess up. Rules can guide behavior, but trust shapes the relationship.

Taylor, M 7B

3/12/2026 03:50:28 pm

I think strict parents do raise better liars. They know what and what not to do to stay out of trouble and also know how to manipulate rules better.

Cervantes Y 2A

3/13/2026 11:26:23 am

I think strict parents do raise good liars because they feel trusted, they just say the truth but if you have strict parents you have to make up a good lie

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