Caught my son lying and it broke my heart
Had to sit down with my 7yo yesterday after I found out he lied about finishing his homework. I wasn't even mad about the homework, you know? I was disappointed that he thought he needed to deceive me. Spent an hour talking about how Jesus calls us to honesty even when it's hard, and how I can't lead him spiritually if I'm not being real about my own struggles with pride and anger. Had him pray with me about asking God for help with temptation. These moments make me realize how serious this dad thing really is. Praying he internalizes this lesson.
That's the hardest part of parenting right there. When you realize they're figuring out how to lie and you have to decide how to address it. Hang in there, sounds like you're doing it right by taking it seriously.