While structure and rules are essential for a child's development, research suggests that excessive strictness can create unexpected effects—one among these is dishonesty. Research has shown that children of extremely strict parents are not just more likely to lie, but they also become very adept at it. The psychology behind strict parenting and its contribution to raising dishonest children is discussed in this article.

Kids are impressionable and learn behaviors from their environment, especially from their parents. When they grow up around strict and punitive parenting, they tend to develop lying as a coping mechanism to prevent severe punishment. Psychologists note that children imitate their parents' actions. If parents use deception often—even small white lies—children tend to learn dishonesty as the right thing to do when dealing with authority figures.

One of the classic instances of parental lies involves saying things like- "If you don't eat up your food, you will have pimples all over your face", "If you don't obey, I'll call the police", "We can't afford to buy that toy."

These kinds of words, though very harmless, demonstrate an environment where children experience that lying is a good strategy to control or escape situations rather than behaving honestly.

Victoria Talwar, a child development psychologist at McGill University, has done research that shows a high correlation between punitive parenting and higher deception in children. Her research was on children from two schools: one that was strict in its discipline and another that was lenient. The research tested the honesty of the children using a game-like experiment to see if they could resist looking at a toy when left alone in a room.

The children between 3-4 years old were asked to guess a toy by the sound it produced. In the last round, a misleading sound was used, and the children were left alone with the toy to check if they would peek. When the experimenter returned, the children were queried if they had peeked at the toy.

Results: 80% of all children peeked, but nearly all the children at the strict school lied about it.

Observation: Not only did these kids lie, but they went out of their way to cover up, showing a more sophisticated ability to sustain deception than their peers at the lenient school.

Conclusion: Children who grow up in environments of severe punishment are likely to be good liars to escape punishment. On the other hand, children who grow up in more understanding and communicative environments were likely to admit.

Why Do Strict Parents Raise Liars?

1. Fear of Punishment Over Honesty

Children are inclined to shun pain and discomfort. When they are punished strictly for not telling the truth, children learn that honesty has ill effects. Therefore, they learn dishonesty as a means of survival.

2. Lack of Emotional Safety

A home where children fear their parents' reactions is a home where honesty cannot thrive. When a child feels unsafe expressing their mistakes or concerns, they will resort to lying as a means of self-preservation.

3. Perceived Loss of Control

Too harsh a parenting style tends to take away the sense of autonomy in children. Children who feel that they have no control over their lives may use lying as a way of reasserting some control.

4. Role of Cognitive Development

Lying involves cognitive abilities like working memory and problem-solving. According to some research, children who lie proficiently are more intelligent. This does not imply that lying must be promoted but that parents must provide an environment where honesty pays and mistakes are seen as learning opportunities instead of offenses to be punished.

Long-Term Impact of Strict Parenting

Authoritarian parenting can appear to work in the short term, but it usually has undesirable psychological and behavioral consequences that last well into adulthood:

• Higher Anxiety and Depression: Constant fear of punishment can cause mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
• Rebellious Behavior: Children who are too overly controlled may act out in private, indulging in dangerous activities as a rebellion.
• Strained Parent-Child Relationship: No trust and effective communication can damage the emotional bond between the parent and the child.
• Poor Social Skills: Excessively controlled children often end up struggling with social interactions because they have had little practice at open self-expression.

How to Foster Honesty Without Strictness

• Provide a safe environment in which your child feels free to talk about his or her errors without fear of being punished. Rather than blaming them for making mistakes, show them how they can make better choices.
• Threats and harsh punishments result in children respecting authority less, not more. Use logical consequences that make them realize the effects of their behavior.
• Kids learn from their parents. If they see honesty and integrity in your behavior, they are more likely to do the same.
• Praise and reward your child when they tell the truth, even if it is a tough situation. Rewarding good behavior can reinforce honesty better than punishing bad behavior.

Parenting is not being too strict or too lenient—it is finding the right balance. Though rules and discipline are essential, they must not be enforced at the expense of honesty and emotional health. Establishing a setting in which children feel comfortable being honest will not only discourage lying but also create a more robust and healthier parent-child relationship. Ultimately, children who feel heard and respected are more likely to become honest, responsible adults.

While parents often claim they do not have a favorite child, sometimes their favor is evident. Sometimes it is the kid they depend on the most, other times it is the youngest kid of the family. However, is there a specific factor parents enjoy more in their kids? After analyzing factors like age, gender and behavioral pattern, researchers found what parents favored the most in their children

In a 2025 study published by the Psychological Bulletin, researchers found that parents favor daughters. They are more likely to be the favorite, across both mothers and fathers. Firstborn children also often receive more positive attention. Additionally, children who are described as conscientious – meaning they are responsible, organized, and do what they're supposed to – are also frequently favored. These findings suggest that certain personality traits and birth order can influence how parents interact with their children, even if unintentionally.

How Did They Find Parents Favored Certain Kids

Researchers looked at the results of many different studies. They combined the findings from over two dozen research papers, including articles, school projects, and large collections of data. This allowed them to see broader patterns in how parents treat their children differently. By looking at things like how much affection parents show and how they share resources, the researchers could draw more reliable conclusions than if they had just looked at one single study. This big picture approach helps us understand the common trends in parental favoritism.

Why Did The Parents Favor These Traits

Older Siblings

Parents tend to grant older children more freedom and decision-making power, likely due to perceiving them as more mature and responsible based on their age and experience. Having navigated earlier developmental stages, they've often earned more trust, leading parents to offer greater independence compared to their younger siblings who are still learning and growing.

Daughters

Social norms and potential emotional closeness might contribute to daughters being favored. Parents may have different communication styles or expectations, possibly leading to a stronger perceived bond. While conscientiousness and agreeableness play a role overall, a general inclination towards daughters could also stem from subtle societal influences on parental perceptions and interactions.

Conscientious and Agreeable Children

Children who are responsible, organized, cooperative, and kind often experience more positive parental interactions. Their agreeable nature leads to less conflict, creating smoother relationships. These traits can make parenting easier, resulting in more praise, trust, and overall favored treatment compared to siblings who may exhibit more challenging behaviors.

Avoiding Shows Of Favoritism For Kid’s Well-Being

When children feel like they are not the favorite, it can have a real impact on their well-being. It's not just about feeling a little sad; it can affect their mental health, their relationships with others, and even how well they do in school. To make sure all their children feel equally loved and valued, parents can try a few practical things.

It's helpful for parents to regularly think about how they interact with each child. Showing interest in each child's unique hobbies and asking them open-ended questions about what's important to them can make a big difference.

Spending dedicated one-on-one time with each child and avoiding comparisons between them are also key. Encouraging a positive relationship between siblings and openly talking about everyone's needs can create a more supportive and equitable family environment.

Trying to conceive in your 30s can feel like a race against time, but what if the secret to increasing your fertility was as easy as taking a walk outside for some sunlight? Yes, you heard that right! New studies indicate moderate sun exposure to have a crucial role in maintaining ovarian health and fertility, particularly for women past the age of 30. The quest for fertility and reproductive well-being assumes greater importance with advancing age for women, more so after passing the 30s. That biological functions change with age for women is not a secret, and with this comes the dip in fertility as well but what if something as easy as sunlight could improve those chances? Research indicates that moderate sunlight exposure may play a big role in ovarian health and fertility, particularly in women aged over 30.

We've known for years that sunlight improves our mood and mental health. Natural serotonin production while being exposed to sunlight is well-documented, but new studies are now connecting sunlight exposure with better fertility rates, especially among women aged over 30.

A study appearing in Steroids, authored by scientists at Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center, reveals how solar radiation exposure may impact fertility. The study, in particular, examined how sun exposure influenced the level of Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) in women. AMH is an important marker of ovarian reserve—the amount of eggs a woman possesses in her ovaries, which determines her fertility potential.

The scientists followed 2,235 women aged 20 to 40 and discovered an interesting trend: women aged 30 to 40 who were exposed to moderate amounts of sunlight in spring and autumn had more AMH compared to those exposed to little sunlight in winter months. Surprisingly, those who were exposed to more solar radiation in summer had greater levels of AMH than those in the winter. Although the study does not create a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it does imply that moderate sun exposure can be good for ovarian reserve and therefore fertility.

Role of Vitamin D in Fertility

Vitamin D, or the "sunshine vitamin," is manufactured by our skin after exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D has been found to be very important for fertility, especially for women who are attempting to get pregnant. A deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to unfavorable fertility outcomes, such as lower IVF success rates and an increased risk of pregnancy complications.

For women attempting conception without medical aid, having optimal levels of vitamin D can maximize the possibility of conception. A number of studies establish that women with higher levels of vitamin D are likely to have better rates of implantation of the embryo and better success when undergoing IVF treatment. The relationship between vitamin D and fertility highlights the need to maximize exposure to sunlight or take supplements, especially for those attempting conception.

How Much Sun is Too Much?

While moderate sun exposure will improve fertility by increasing vitamin D levels and AMH levels, it's necessary to counterbalance this with the danger of too much sun. Long-term exposure to strong sunlight can cause sun damage, premature aging, and increased skin cancer risk. So, it's worth striving for safe, moderate sun exposure—usually, about 10 to 30 minutes a few times a week, depending on the type of your skin and sun intensity.

It's essential to pay attention to your body and not expose yourself to the sun during the strongest hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Applying sunscreen to longer exposures and dressing in protective clothing is worth considering to avoid long-term damage to your skin.

Fertility-Enhancing Lifestyle Changes for Women Age 30 and Above

Sunlight exposure is only half the solution when it comes to enhancing fertility among women aged 30 and above. Embracing a healthy lifestyle can also contribute in a notable way to enhancing reproductive health. These are some of the most important lifestyle changes that can enhance fertility:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and whole foods may also contribute to improving fertility. Foods that are rich in nutrients such as folic acid, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in maintaining reproductive health. Especially, consuming fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can normalize hormones and make conception more likely.

2. Exercise Regularly, But Don't Overdo It

Physical exercise is essential for general health and fertility. Regular, moderate exercise—like walking, swimming, or yoga—can help normalize hormones, enhance blood flow, and alleviate stress. Excessive exercise, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect and harm fertility. Women who overexert themselves or have extremely low body weight can suffer from menstrual irregularities, which can prevent ovulation.

3. Stress Management

Chronic stress is a proven fertility killer, as it can cause hormonal imbalance and affect ovulation. Adding stress-reduction methods like yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises can help balance your body. Also, talking to a counselor or therapist can be helpful in resolving emotional and psychological stress that could be impacting your fertility.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is necessary for hormone balance and overall health. Lack of sleep can raise cortisol levels and interfere with your reproductive hormones. Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to aid your fertility and overall health.

Although no one factor can promise fertility, sunlight exposure may be a natural and inexpensive means of aiding reproductive health. Along with a healthy diet, exercise on a regular basis, and stress management techniques, you can really boost your chances of conception, particularly if you're in your 30s. Fertility is a multifaceted process, and it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider when changing your lifestyle or embarking on a family planning adventure.

Moderate sunlight exposure not only does your mood and mental health good but also has an unsuspected but possibly vital role to play in enhancing ovarian health and fertility beyond the age of 30.

The US is facing a long-term decline in the birth rates. As per experts, this raises a concern in terms of what this means for country's future, especially with regard to health of its population, economy, and caregiving systems.

A Slight Rise in 2024

As per the new data released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3.6 million babies were born in 2024. This is just a 1% increase from the previous year, which had been the lowest record in births. While this uptick may seem encouraging, it is not enough to reverse the troubling trend.

The US fertility rate remains around 1.6 births per woman. This is significantly below the 2.1 births that is required to sustain the population growth without immigration.

As per the demographers, this continuous drop began during the Great Recession in 2007. It has continued steadily since.

Shift In Teen Births

One of the biggest shifts is the steep decline in teen births. In 1991, about 62 of every 1,000 teenage girl had a child. This number has now fell to just under 13 by 2024. This is a historic low that reflects a positive shift, better education, access to contraception, and changing attitudes about early parenthood.

Similar trend is seen among women in their 20s, as the rates their too have dropped. In 2007, about 106 of every 1,000 women aged 20 to 24 gave birth. By 2024, the number has dropped to around 57. For women aged 25 to 29, the rate fell from 118 in every 1,000 women in 2007, to 91 in 2024.

Though there has been a slight rise in births among women in their 30s, experts say that it is not enough to offset the overall decline.

Are Births Being Delayed?

“One of the big questions is all these births that haven’t occurred—are they just being delayed?” asked Ken Johnson, a demographer at the University of New Hampshire. “Or are a lot of these births going to be forgone entirely?”

The answer has significant public health implications. A shrinking younger population could lead to fewer caregivers for an aging society, higher burdens on healthcare systems, and a smaller workforce contributing to national health programs like Medicare.

Why Are Fewer Americans Having Kids?

As per experts, while people still want children, there is a lingering financial burden and social barriers too that get in a way. High student loans, debt, and the rising coast of child care, unstable housing, along with limited access to paid parental leave are all major concerns.

“People don’t have kids when they don’t feel good about their own futures,” said Karen Benjamin Guzzo, a family demographer at the University of North Carolina.

Can Policies Help?

Some political leaders are proposing measures to encourage parenthood. Former President Trump, for instance, has suggested “baby bonuses” and scholarships for married couples or parents. However, Johnson believes that without stronger, systemic support, the U.S. birth rate is unlikely to bounce back to replacement level.

Immigration may help slow the effects of falling birth rates. Many immigrants move to the U.S. with plans to start families, Johnson noted. “They bring the potential for babies in the future.”