Quick question: Did you ever lie as a kid? If so, you’re not alone; most kids do! But here’s the cool part: lying is actually a key milestone in child development.

For the past 20 years, researchers have studied how kids learn to lie, and the findings are super interesting. By age two, some kids start telling their first lies, and by age four, the majority of them are doing it. But don’t worry, this is actually a good thing! It means they’re developing two important skills: “mind reading” (understanding what others know and don’t know) and self-control (being able to manage their behavior and emotions). Both are essential for navigating social situations as they grow up.

Kids who start lying earlier tend to have stronger cognitive abilities, like problem-solving and understanding others’ perspectives. And while many of us think we can spot a lie, the truth is, kids are really good at hiding their emotions, which makes it hard for even parents to tell when they’re lying!

This research shows that lying is part of normal, healthy development. Instead of worrying, celebrate it—your child is learning to navigate the world!