4yo has started telling lies

[eversomuch]

Our 4yo has always been a pretty honest kid, but we've noticed lately that he has started lying about little things. For example, he'll tell us he washed his hands after using the toilet even though we know he didn't. I'm guessing it's a stage all kids go through, but what's the best way to respond and to try to ensure it doesn't grow into a bad habit lying about bigger issues?

Thanks.

I think lying is pretty normal for 4 year olds. Try not to worry about it too much.

I heard some research the other day. This experiment has been repeated a number of times.
Children are sat in a room with a play area behind them. The researcher tells them that they are setting up a brilliant toy but they mustn't look. The researcher then tells the child that they are about to leave the room but they mustn't look at the toy. All children look, who wouldn't, but the results about what they say when they are asked if they look are the interesting bit.
When they children are 3, about 2/3 lie and say that they didn't look. It increases when they are 4.
By the time they are 5 100% of the children lie. All children lie.

As for the answer to the question - no idea I'm afraid.