Why Teens Lie on Ask Mom with Sue Donnellan
Sue Donnellan Shares The Hidden Reasons Why Teens Lie and What Parents Can Actually Do About It.
The Hidden Reasons Why Teens Lie & What Parents Can Actually Do About It
Why do teens lie…even if they have good parents, open conversations, and no reason to hide?
In this episode, Sue and Randee unpack one of the most misunderstood parenting challenges: lying. You’ll learn how most teen lies aren’t about rebellion, they’re about protection, privacy, and power. Sue shares her personal story of being a “frequent teen liar” and how that insight reshaped her parenting philosophy. Together, they explore why tightening control only increases deception, and how a calm, curious response can transform dishonesty into trust and growth.
You’ll discover:
- The real purpose behind lying (and what it’s protecting)
- How to stop taking lies personally and start reading them as communication
- What it means to brand yourself “unshockable” …and why your reaction determines your child’s honesty
- Simple neutral statements that build connection instead of confrontation
- How “control invites lies” and why giving up control earns truth
It’s not about catching your teen in a lie, it’s about creating an environment where the truth feels safe to live.
🎧 Listen through the end for specific age-based examples and Sue’s powerful “We Language” strategy that rewires your child’s honesty through trust, not fear.
Connect with Sue at AskMomParenting.com and on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Amazon and YouTube.
🔗 Links & Resources:
· Free Facebook Group: Yell-Free Parenting for Exhausted Moms
· Sue’s Book: Secrets to Parenting Without Giving a F^ck
· Want 1-on-1 coaching? Book here
· Get Sue’s Weekly Newsletter: Subscribe now
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Sue Donnellan
As a mother who has balanced raising four kids (including triplets) with a full-time business and a husband who deployed to combat five times, I fully understand the demands on parents to successfully manage a busy family life. The steep learning curve of going from one to four children almost instantly kickstarted my methods for nurturing four unique individuals. My no-nonsense, judgement-free parenting style created an environment of freedom, flexibility and self-initiated learning for our kids. After twenty years in the trenches, parenting four happy, prosperous people, there is much to share that will make the entire process stress-free, effective and fun.
Randee Moore
Randee Moore is a mom of two, a copywriter and marketing strategist who’s obsessed with learning and personal growth. With a background in psychology, she’s passionate about exploring research based ways to parent with purpose and intention. She runs on caffeine, recharges in nature, and never leaves home without a good book.
