Is it normal for a 3 year old to lie?

Yes. Lying is a developmental milestone that can start as early as age three, Cincinnati Children's says, usually to get out of trouble.

When should I worry about my child lying?

If lying keeps happening alongside defiant or aggressive behavior, talk with your pediatrician.

Is there a book about lying for kids starring my child?

Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child in their own moment of telling the truth, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All habits

How to stop a young child from lying

Stay calm, skip questions you already know the answer to, give your child a chance to make it right, and tell the truth yourself.

Custom story for Rosy

Rosy squashes Mama's berry tart and hides it in the garden, then finds the words to tell the truth.

Who Sat on the Tart?

Story created for Rosy

Lying is a normal developmental milestone that can start as early as age three, says psychologist Beverly Smolyansky of Cincinnati Children's. Most preschoolers lie to get out of trouble and don't yet understand why it's wrong. She suggests not asking questions you already know the answer to, responding calmly instead of laughing or overreacting, giving your child a chance to tell the truth and make it right, and being honest yourself.

A social story is one way to practice: your child sees themselves make a mistake, feel the tight tummy, and tell the truth. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with the grown-up who listens when they do.

A telling the truth social story starring your child

Here's how Rosy's story goes.

Squish! Rosy's hand lands right in Mama's berry tart.
The tart is hidden in the garden, but Rosy's tummy still feels tight.
"No. That wasn't true," Rosy whispers.
Mama thanks her for telling the truth, and they make another tart together.

Watch Rosy’s whole story

Questions parents ask

Is it normal for a 3 year old to lie?: Yes. Lying is a developmental milestone that can start as early as age three, Cincinnati Children's says, usually to get out of trouble.
How should I react when my child lies?: Calmly and the same way each time. Give your child a chance to tell the truth and make it right, and make the consequence smaller when they do.
When should I worry about my child lying?: If lying keeps happening alongside defiant or aggressive behavior, talk with your pediatrician.
Is there a book about lying for kids starring my child?: Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child in their own moment of telling the truth, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated October 30, 2026.

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