'We'll throw you into the ocean to feed the fish': Chinese parents tell children most lies

Chinese parents lie more often to their children in an attempt to get them to behave, according to a new study.

And it's not just little white lies - it's often a frightening lie.

A study of US and Chinese parents found that Chinese participants admitted to telling more lies than American parents. These included:

•  'If you don’t behave, we will throw you into the ocean to feed the fish'
• *‘If you don’t follow me, a kidnapper will come to kidnap you while I’m gone'
•  ‘Finish all your food or you’ll grow up to be short'

In most cases, a higher number of Chinese parents admitted to telling 'instrumental' lies which entice the child into doing something.

Participants in both countries completed a child lie acceptability scale that involved various child lie scenarios.

What's the worst lie you've told your children? Tell us in the reader comments section below.