Study About Naughty Toddlers & Later Crimes

[Laurel]

This is an interesting article that talks about behavioral problems in children and their possible relationship to criminality later on in life. I always wondered if the bullies from my grade school days ended up in prison or if they mellowed out. When I look back on my childhood, I always regret any memories in which I was mean to other kids for no good reason. This article actually focuses more on bratty or problemed kids than bullies, but it is still worth reading.


Preschool Behavior Hints at Later Criminality

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011023/hl/behavior_1.html

. . .

Tantrum-throwing at 3 years of age was also associated with a greater than threefold risk of being convicted of a violent crime as an adult, Stevenson and Goodman report.

. . .

In a related editorial, Dr. Richard Harrington of Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in the UK writes that the study's findings are ``consistent with other research on so-called difficult temperament and suggests that in some individuals there is an enduring antisocial propensity that starts very early in life.''

 

[YogiBare]

Bully

Laurel, there was a guy in my class in high school who was a major sadistic bully.

When I saw him at my 20 year reunion he looked great. He was in recovery from alcoholism, friendly, and open. He was working as a cop in NYC.

We're looking up people now to do our 30th reunion and I just learned that this same guy murdered his wife and is in prison.

Just goes to show ya', I guess.

YB

 

[Todd]

And I thought this thread was going to be about me,

you big tease Laurel

 

[Bubblegum *sugarless*]

Egads!!! I only have 4 more months to get my 2 yr old in shape.

I have been in touch with a bully I knew in 4th-7th grades. He was awful. Fighting, stealing...just mean. Today he teaches 9th grade. I kind of find a sense of justice in that.

 

[Laurel]

Your life story is only partly written, Todd. This thread may very well be about you!

 

[MissTaken]

Very wordy reponse ...sorry

I certainly hope people don't read that article lightly and assume that every three year old who throughs a tantrum is going to be a violent felon. Certainly, some valid points are made, but throwing tantrums is what three year olds are best at!

The article mentions that there are other factors to consider. I will presuppose what some of these factors are:

1) Three year olds are learning to control their environment. IF they begin by throwing tantrums and manage to get what they want by doing so, matters get worse. So, with the criminally inclined, it is entirely possible that the caretaker's unwillingness or inability to teach the child positive ways to get what they want may contribute.

2) Was the child raised in a family in which violence is common?

3) How does the writer come by the knowledge that certain criminally violent adults were difficult toddlers? Parent's reporting is unreliable. In 11 years working with Juvenile Delinquents, parents often have related the first signs of "trouble" back to toddler hood. Sometimes, it is true. Othertimes, I believe it is an attempt to remove themselves from scrutiny.

In fact, I often hear, "Whe he/she was young, he/she used to hurt and kill animals." Rings of Dalmer???? They can't all be Dalmers.

I do believe that if a three or four year old doesn't learn to recognize limits and authority, big problems lay ahead.

I also have worked with kids who were diagnosed as "anti social personality disorder" (and all derivations of the terminology) later in life. Their behavior as young children was far different than just having temper tantrums. Thought processes were confused, hyperkinesis was evident, recklessness for their own safety or other's and ...the big one....no ability to demonstrate and possibly feel remorse.

 

[koalabear]

Teach them to respect others............it works......

 

[MissTaken]

Teach them to respect others............it works......

Ummmmm

I think that is what I meant to say! Thanks K Bear !

 

[Debbie]

Thank goodness my kids were good at that age! Phew, uhoh oldest is 13 now (yesterday) have to see what he turns out like.

 

[MissTaken]

My three year old is a beast!


Ahhh but I am winning. One step at a time!

 

[Starfish]

Gimmie your milk money NOW you woosies!

 

[Paradyce]

Teach them to respect others............it works......

I'll be the second one to second that, er, uh, the first one to third that... oh hell, I agree!!