Is your problem child entirely your fault?

Many parents worry their child’s bad behavior is a result of their parenting mistakes, but new research suggests this may not be the case.

A study found that some children are genetically predisposed to behavioral problems.

The research shows that some children display poor self-control and anger problems in a preschool setting because they have inherited the traits from their parents.

Researchers at Oregon State University – Cascades believe genetics explain why some children thrive at preschool while others develop behavioral problems.

Lead author, Dr Shannon Lipscomb, said: ‘Assuming that findings like this are replicated, we can stop worrying so much that all children will develop behavior problems at center-based care facilities, because it has been a concern.

‘But some children (with this genetic predisposition) may be better able to manage their behavior in a different setting, in a home or smaller group size.’

The researchers collected data from 233 families and found that parents who had high levels of negative emotion and poor self-control were more likely to have children who struggled with behavioral issues.

The researchers also studied adopted children and found a link between their birth parents’ characteristics and their behavior even though they had not been brought up by them.

‘We aren't recommending that children are genetically tested, but parents and caregivers can assess a child's needs and help them get to a setting that might be more appropriate,’ Dr Lipscomb said.

‘This study helps us to explain why some children struggle so much with large peer groups and heightened social interactions. It may not be a problem with a teacher or parent, but that they are struggling on a biological level.’

The news comes shortly after a study from the University of Oxford revealed that children who spend time in day care centers, or with child minders, are more likely to have behavioral problems, such as hyperactivity.

The researchers also found that children who spend more time in preschool playgroups have fewer problems with relationships with other children but that those who spend a lot of time in the care of their grandparents tend to have more peer problems.

The results of the latest study are published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2476935/Dont-blame-poor-parenting-tearaway-kids--bad-behaviour-childs-GENES.html