How honest should parents be?

[Kingpin]

Be as honest as possible within reason. If there are ever any exceptions it would only be to really protect your child/children, and it would be very rare that an outright lie would be required to do that, if ever. Simply not telling them everything until they are old enough to understand may be enough.

Lying to children almost always causes unnecessary harm at worst and unnecessary confusion at best.

I'm guessing.  I am no parent and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong folks, this is just how I feel about it if I were to become a parent.

Lying to children causes in harm in that when they discover the lie, they lose trust in you and that's not good.  Kids need to be able to trust their parents.  If you say you will do something, do it.  If you tell them something, be sure it's the truth.  Holding back detail to protect them is perfectly fine.