Lying for no reason

[bright sparks]

Personally I would bring it up to the mother. It's obviously not something to blow out of proportion when talking to mum but it is an opportunity to say that you have noticed him acting very out of character and wonder if any changes at home may have set this off. Some people may think it is none of our business what goes on at home, but I think it is very important to inform the dcp when a dynamic has changed as it almost always effects the child and it helps to be prepared for changes and also explains a lot of behavioural changes in the child. I think it is important to nip the lying in the bud before going off to school but you would probably get more results from addressing the cause. Perhaps he has gotten in trouble a lot recently at home and lying is now his way of protecting himself from an ear bashing. I know you said that you have told him that he will not get in trouble, but if he is being told this at home and still getting in trouble, or even if he isn't being told this at home and is on the receiving end of a stressed out parent, then he is probably having some trust issues right now. It will only take for him to have the courage to tell the truth and see that your response was not to shout at him or punish him and he will be more likely to tell the truth in the future because he will trust what you say. Hopefully upon discussing this with his mother, she will also be able to work with you in this area.

Its not so much asserting his independence as this occurs around the 2-3 yr range in psychosocial development. I think it is more about demonstrating control over the situation, this may also be a bigger issue for mom as you mentioned she has a bit of a hard time with him at home. He is being defiant and disagreeing with you just because he can. Unfortunately when a child does this to often they get disapproval from caregivers and can end up with feelings of guilt so the denial of certain behaviours can just become a protective action when they fear someone's disapproval....

Sorry, lol can you tell I am taking a psychology course BAHAHA