As a parent, I've always put emphasis on that I want my boys to tell me truth even if it hurts as then I'll always know to back them strongly knowing the truth.
^that
I have tried to stress this to my DD8 pretty well from birth. It doesn't matter how bad the truth is, the truth is ultimately what you have to face. I have repeatedly stressed that lying is the worst thing that she can do because then I won't be able to help her as fully as I would be able to otherwise.
As she gets older, I am going to have to gradually help her 'finesse the truth' at certain times but at this age the truth is paramount, IMO.
