A child who is able to lie convincingly at an early age is likely to become a high flying leader - or a banker
Telling lies is an indication of intelligence in young children - so researchers are claiming.
A study has revealed that the earlier a chld is able to weave believable lies, the more likely he is to be quick-witted, fast-thinking and develop a successful career.
Apparently, creating a lie is a complex brain process, so the next time your toddler angelically says, "It wasn't me!", you can at least tell yourself he's training to be a high flyer!
The study, from Toronto University, looked at 1200 children and found that while 20% of two year olds are likely to tell fibs, this rises to a whopping 90% by the age of four. But the most dishonest age is 12, when virtually all children tell lies.
As they get older, young people learn to use white lies to avoid hurting other people's feelings.
The good thing (if you believe the researchers) is that there is apparently no link between telling lies as a child and becoming a cheat later in life.
"Parents should not be alarmed if their chld tells a fib," says Dr Kang Lee who led the research. "Almost all children lie. Those who have better cognitive development lie better because they can cover up their tracks. They may make bankers in later life."
