Do we risk backing our gifted kids into the corner of lying by over-pressuring them for the purpose behind their actions? Even smart kids can act without reason; if they are constantly challenged to create a reason, show their work, say the nice thing that runs counter to their own thoughts, pretend to play nicely with children they don't like and have nothing in common with, dumb down to fit in...
I worry about this and catch myself trying to encourage DS to say something positive when clearly something negative is on his mind. So far, factual lying has not been a big issue with him, but the more he's gained control of his strong emotions, the more they are available for him to try and manipulate.
There is also the game aspect of it. If you corner them on lies, detect their tells, unravel their untruths, and sometimes or often "win", are you successful in curtailing or are you putting them right at the place of challenge where maximum learning takes place, and thus are training them to improve their ability and look for opportunities to engage in the thrill of that competition?
