Patt and Steve Saso have worked with teens for years and I find
their advice about catching a teen in a lie keeps the relationship
intact and models compassionate behavior as well. How to Respond When You Catch Your Teen Lying by Patt and Steve Saso
How to Respond When You Catch Your Teen Lying by Steve Saso
1. Pause and reflect before reacting.
2. Seek understanding. What might be going on inside your
child? Try to understand their perspective.
3. Examine the motivation. Why the necessity to lie?
What is your teen’s unmet need? As parent, what might
be your role and participation?
4. Be active in partnering with your teen. Be an ally.
Work towards resolving unmet needs.
5. Be flexible and adaptable. The health and safety of your
child are non-negotiable, and be open to allowing your
teenagers to have their experiences with as little
interference as possible.
6. Model honesty. Observe when you are being dishonest,
especially in your parenting.
Remember no matter what you do or what kind of relationship
you have, your teen may lie from time to time. How do you usually react when you catch your teenager lying? What
feelings and thoughts come up for you?
Cynthia Klein, Bridges 2 Understanding, has been a Certified Parent Educator since 1994. She works with parents and organizations who want more cooperation, mutual respect and understanding between adults and children of all ages. Cynthia presents her expertise through speaking and private parenting coaching sessions. She is a member of the National Speakers Association and writes the Middle School Mom column for the Parenting on the Peninsula magazine. She works with parents of 4 – 25 year-old children. Contact Cynthia at bridges2understanding.com, cynthia@bridges2understanding,com, or 650. 679.8138 to learn more about creating the relationship you want with your children.
Copyright © 2026, Cynthia Klein, All rights reserved. Please contact Cynthia to use any of her blog post.
About Cynthia Klein
Cynthia Klein’s mission is to contribute to World Peace and building healthy family relationships is the place to begin. As a parenting expert for over 30 years, parents have learned from Cynthia how to communicate more effectively as an ally rather than an adversary. Her unique Family Harmony System teaches parents of 5 and older how to have open dialogue, solve problems together, support one another, and build mutual respect. Cynthia is the author of Ally Parenting and the video-based self-paced program Win, Win, Win, Parenting. She has presented over 700 talks and coached hundreds of parents privately towards greater family connection and harmony. To learn more about her services of coaching and speaking, contact Cynthia Klein at , visit her website at bridges2understanding.com.
