I do hope you're not implying that 10-year-olds are absolutely truthful in all things!?
While they may not have an "agenda," as such, they are certainly known to lie, cheat, steal on their own, or worse when under the influence of an evil adult.
And a parent that knows their child can tell which is which.
Interestingly enough, pedophiles rely on exactly that sort of logic to evade prosecution.
Everyone *knows* what liars little kids are, right?
Ironically, my uncle told me right from the start that no one would believe me if I told.
He was right.
The word of a child against that of an adult Viet vet/high income/prominent career position/church elder/hysterically funny/everybody's favorite in-law?
No contest, there.
He knew the rules of the game *and* the odds.
He played it well and won.
Sometimes wretched ex-spouses may use their children as pawns to gain more money or even revenge...but they're almost always tripped up in their schemes.
What did I "gain" by telling?
Nothing.
In fact, I lost everything any child could expect to have.
This Christmas [and every holiday] I will sit alone as usual with my hubby and dogs while my family gathers for fun, food and festivity at the uncle's house.
What did I gain, Redbob?