Problem: Your preschooler has reached the lying stage, otherwise known as “wasn’t me.” Mysteries such as ‘who got cookie crumbs all over the coach,” are easily solved by trace evidence of chocolate chips on his chin. Other fibs are more worrisome, such as when “who pushed your little brother?” is met shoulder shrugs.

Solution: You don’t need to be a mentalist to read the tells your child is giving, says Jim Fannin, a body language expert. The body is often a give-a-way when people lie.  Although many adults can mask these reactions, kids tend to be much more transparent. If you think your little one is lying, ask him a direct question. A liar will look to the right or touch the right side of his face or neck, which means they are creating an answer (honest kids do the opposite, searching through their memory). Liars also tend to act defensive or cross their arms when asked a question they don’t want to answer honestly. And if he answers with a cracked or high-pitched voice (gotcha!), you might as well start the time-out. Bonus: These tips work for husbands, friends and bosses, too!