When you come across a child who is throwing themselves on the ground, blue in the face screaming, it’s easy to judge them as being naughty. You may start comparing them to other children and even start blaming their parents. All too often, people witnessing a difficult child assume their parent must be doing something wrong.
However, it’s easy to judge without seeing the full picture. There may be reasons for their bad behavior that go beyond the fault of the parents. Here are four reasons you should always have compassion with kids who aren’t behaving.
They May Have Endured Traumatic Experiences
You never know if a child’s parents are going through a custody battle, or if they suffered an accident, experienced a death, or recently moved. When kids’ lives are affected significantly at home, it can greatly affect their behavior.
They may act out with anger or being defiant. From the outside, it may seem like they’re just a “bad seed,” however, more likely than not, they have something deeper going on.
Their Parents May Have Endured Difficulties
As much as parents try to do their best, they may have a past that haunts them, which affects their ability to parent. Parents who are going through difficult experiences currently may struggle to keep up with the demands that parenthood requires of them.
Perhaps it’s a single mother at home who works three jobs or a parent who is incarcerated. You never know what kind of story is going on behind closed doors.
Their Genetics May Be To Blame
In some cases, children may have a natural disposition towards aggressive or rebellious behavior. Their comportment may be a result of a temper inherited from their parents.
If parents aren’t careful to keep an eye on issues as they arise, genetics can start to take over. However, with a gentle guiding hand, children who are biologically programmed for non-compliance can learn to overcome their nature.
They May Have A Mental Disorder
Sometimes aggressive kids who frequently have behavioral issues have a mental health disorder. Disorders can range from anything from ADHD to a personality disorder.
Even anxiety disorder has been known to bring out obnoxious behavior in children because their fear transforms into anger.
These are just a few of the reasons which may account for a child’s rambunctious behavior. Rather than scowling at a child who’s acting out, consider reaching out to them.
Sometimes a smile, a little encouragement, or even humor can give a frustrated child a break from their woes. If you know the parents, consider offering a helping hand, like babysitting, or even ask for a playdate with your child. Just because they’re difficult, doesn’t mean they’re necessarily bad!
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