deceptive --- Yes, it can be deceptive but may not always be negative. I point this out as deception has a negative connotation.

For example, if a 1 year old child is running out of the house onto a busy road as habit, and we place a stopper beyond the child's reach. We then proceed to tell the child that if they can open the door they can go out. The child is obviously unable to open the door and we pretend even we cannot open the door. The child is convinced that he/she is not being stopped from going out but he/she just needs to eat more healthy food and drink more milk to be able to open that door.

In this case, it is deceptive but can be very positive as it can be an opportunity to lead the child into a more positive direction without making them feel they are being stopped.

I hope this makes sense.

Source author: Mamta Reid liveandsmile@hotmail.com