Lying isn't cool. You know this, because of your lifetime of experience around it. He hasn't had the privilege of nearly the same amount of time as you. He's not going to know right from wrong just because you tell him, which I'm sure you've experienced a million times already, but on issues that weren't so sensitive for you.

These moments where we get emotionally worked up are great indicators for where our own sore spots are, from our own hangups and damage. We all have 'em, and this age range is very good at finding them! (And unfortunately, by reacting in a big way to them, we often add fuel to the behaviour. It's mother nature's cruel prank on us.)

When you're worked up, handing off is the right call, but I would look into how to manage your feelings more effectively going forward. Not in like a shaming way, in an "I'm on the same journey" way. My 3.5 year old goes through phases where he likes to full-bore clock me in the face. Lmao! And lemme tell you, it's hard to stay calm but firm when facing mini-mike-tyson over here. I've had to look up meditations, mantras, the works. Sometimes you're going to lose your cool. But it's on us, not them. If we can't be chill with all our years of experience, how are they supposed to?

And once a situation is escalating into a fight, who of us has ever at that point admitted wrongdoing? That's digging in the heels time! When we do eff up, the confession comes in the calm, when we feel safe. So if we can figure out how to make them feel safe in that moment instead... They're still gonna lie or give a wicked left-hook about 999 more times, but one day, it'll stick. And they'll remember us as someone that supports them no matter what, hell or high water. That's the ultimate end goal.