Parents are often told that the "terrible twos" is just a stage and a toddler throwing a tantrum will eventually outgrow this. However, a new study suggests the terrible twos phase might eventually lead to the child becoming a criminal when he grows up. Parents should be able to learn to spot the signs.
The study, published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, highlights the behaviors that indicate a child could grow up to be troublemaker or a law breaker. The experts term these behaviors as "callous-unemotional" and are usually exhibited through lying, showing little emotion or empathy.
The researchers emphasized toddlers cannot grow out of these as time takes its course, especially if parents or carers don't pay enough attention to it. Instead, they might experience behavioral difficulties beyond the terrible twos phase if these behaviors are not corrected.
Callous-Unemotional Behavior: Inherited Vs. Acquired
The researchers looked into 561 families with adopted kids to see if callous unemotional behaviors are inherited. They found out that some toddlers have exhibited similar antisocial behaviors as their biological mothers, despite having no relationship or contact with them. However, little conclusion can be made from this despite the indication.
On the other hand, inherited callous-unemotional behaviors diminished in other adopted kids and it mattered that their parents or carers were active nurturers. "Small, day-to-day positive interactions that parents have with their young children can make a huge difference in children's development," said study co-author Leslie Leve, via Daily Mail.
Positive Parenting In Terrible Twos Phase
Bearing this, researchers are stressing on the importance of properly instilling discipline on kids even as they are in the terrible twos phase. Callous-unemotional behaviors must be corrected early through positive parenting and not harsh measures, according to psychologist Jenae Neiderhiser, per Michigan News.
The research team is expected to see through their study until the two-year-old kids are in their adolescent years to determine if their findings hold water. But even then, the initial results have received support from psychology experts.
Do you agree with the experts? Do you have any tips for other parents in handling toddlers? Sound off in the comments!
