Reddit Users Reveal The Worst Things They've Witnessed Children Do

Bad parenting is the root cause of many of the world's problems. When you don't bother to teach your kids how to behave properly, you're causing a lifetime of misery and pain for everyone around them.

Some kids out there are truly diabolical; their parents allow them to do whatever they want, leading them to grow up thinking that their actions have no consequences. This mindset contributes to the prevalence of terrible people in society.

Reddit user u/explodingpumpkin2020 asked Reddit users on r/AskReddit to share "the worst thing [they've] seen a little child do," and some of the replies are honestly horrifying.

1. This kid will end up in jail

“When my cousin was about 4 years old, I caught him spraying hairspray into the furnace flames, trying to 'blow the house up.'”“Good times.”

Unruly behavior in children often stems from inadequate parenting strategies, which can lead to externalizing problems like aggression and defiance. Research published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology highlights how inconsistent discipline and a lack of emotional support contribute to these behaviors.

When children perceive that their actions have no consequences, they may act out more frequently, believing their needs are paramount. Understanding these dynamics can help parents implement more effective behavioral interventions.

2. The antichrist in person

“I do a lot of secure transports between hospitals and psych facilities. I once transported an 8-year-old kid who flushed his parents’ insulin because he knew they needed it to live.”

3. Afraid of her own daughter

“A friend of mine in elementary school would literally beat up her mother. When her mother became pregnant, she would kick and punch her mother’s belly. She was about 10.I remember my mom always stepping in if it happened while we were around, but it was as if this poor woman was afraid of her own daughter, and she just took it. Smh.”

4. She refused to buy her a Barbie doll

“I saw a young girl enter a store with her mom and throw a fit when she couldn’t get a Barbie doll. Her wailing caused a group of people to gather, and things escalated when the girl decided to claim that the woman was not her mom.Police were called. I, being a young stocker at the end of my shift, told my manager that the girl came in with the woman and promptly clocked out.Long story short, as told to me by the manager the next day, the police sorted the situation, and they left the property a few hours later.”

5. Better keep a close eye on this kid, future serial killer

“My neighbor’s kid was burning ants to death with a magnifying glass. After a while, he decided that ants were too boring, so he tried to hold down his cat and burn it with the magnifying glass.Let’s just say the cat taught the kid a lesson.”

6. Never ignore the small signs

“He tossed a bucket of frogs onto the hot grills of a fire.”“He was 9 at the time.”

7. I don't want to live on this planet anymore

Oh gosh, the list could go on for me, but here is one incident that really irked me.My sophomore year of college, my cousin asked me if I could take her two daughters (11 and 6) to the mall because she was busy, and the girls wanted to use their spending money. We went to the mall, I bought them ice cream, and they spent their money. As we were leaving, we passed Claire’s, and boy, oh boy, did the youngest want to check it out.Now here is some backstory with these kids: their mom (my cousin) doesn’t punish them at all. I had their son throw a toy train at me once, and all I got in response when I told his mom was, “He’s 9 and you’re 19; just be the bigger person. He’s just a kid.” THAT kind of parenting.Anyways, I told the 6-year-old that we could look, but because she had already spent her money, we weren’t buying anything. As soon as we walked in, she went up to something she wanted and said, “Buy this for me.” When I said no, she announced in the store, “Fine then, I’ll just take it,” and proceeded to walk out the door. I took her back and told her that we were going home.Never have I seen a kid throw a tantrum like this in my life. The worst part was that every time I tried to carry her or grab her hand, she’d scream, “Help me! Help me! I don’t know you!” The oldest kid recorded all of it and sent it to her mom, who then simply responded, “Haha, good luck!”When we got home, my cousin told me, “She wouldn’t have thrown the tantrum if you had just gotten her the toy.” I was livid.”

8. Poor Kitties

“A neighbor’s kid would mercilessly throw their two cats into the pool.The cats would fight and scratch, but that didn’t stop the boy from flinging the cats repeatedly into the pool and forcing them to 'swim or drown.'”“His father finally broke him of this behavior by throwing the kid into the pool, clothes and all, every time he caught his son torturing the cats.”

9. "She got her chicken and left fuming"

“I was at Boston Market.This kid smacked his mom’s butt. She was like, 'No!' Then he grabbed her skirt and, in one move, pulled it down to her ankles. She was in shock. The store was packed too. She couldn’t get her clothes up fast enough. I admired her for not running out of the store, though.She got her chicken and left fuming.”

10. The A-Hole Prince

“When I was an English teacher in China, I had a 7-year-old student named Prince. That was not just his chosen English name (which can be anything from Sally or Ben to Superman or JJ Kangaroo), but also a direct translation of his Chinese name, which gives you all the information you need about this child’s idea of his station in life and how he was treated by his parents.This kid yelled at the other kids and me on a daily basis, threw punches if anyone got too close, and once threw a (luckily light plastic) chair across the classroom at me. But the worst of all was the time this kid screamed so much that his throat started bleeding.He had to go to the hospital and couldn’t speak for a few days (which was a blessing), after which I was called into my boss’s office and told that his parents were blaming me for it. I told her how absolutely ridiculous that was and made it very clear that when the term rolled over, I would not be teaching any class in which he was enrolled.”

11. Meth head household

“My neighbor's kid, who was about 10 or 11, used to lure stray dogs up to his porch, then would tie the dog down and stick a firecracker—those little black cats—in the dog's butt and light it on fire.The sheer yelping and screaming from the dog was horrible. I called the police and reported the kid like a thousand times. All the neighbors hated that boy and confronted his parents about it.His mom was a meth head, always drugged out, and his dad was a drunk who said, 'Well, at least he isn’t a terrorist blowing up buildings.'”

12. This kid needs some serious help

“He actually set fire to another child! He doused him in gasoline, then threw a lit match at him!”“The kid has first and second-degree burns; he’s still recovering.”

13. Creepy 6-Year-Old

“When she was around 6, my little sister poured liquid soap all over the floor at the top of the stairs. When asked why she did that, she replied, 'To kill mummy.'”“I have never been more terrified of a child in my life.”

14. A future outstanding citizen

“A child pushing a shopping cart ran over my ankles, then proceeded to spit on me after I asked him to go get his mother.”

15. No wonder the kid turned out like that

“He snatched a white cane away from a blind person and ran away with it while his mother laughed and allowed it to happen.The fun was short-lived, however… A large, burly man who also saw this happen marched straight up to the kid, unceremoniously snatched the cane away from him, and very loudly told the mother what he thought of her (which wasn’t much).”

Understanding Child Behavior

Research indicates that children's behavior often reflects their emotional and psychological states, heavily influenced by their environment and upbringing. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry shows that children exposed to chaotic home environments often display more aggressive or fearful behaviors. This phenomenon can be traced back to attachment theory, where the quality of early relationships forms the basis for how children relate to others.

Insecure attachments can lead children to act out in ways that may seem terrifying to adults, demonstrating a clear need for emotional support and stability. Experts note that these behaviors serve as signals, indicating that children are struggling to cope with their feelings.

Understanding these behaviors requires a closer look at the psychological principles involved. Studies show that children often mimic behaviors they observe in adults, particularly in high-stress situations. This modeling is a key aspect of social learning theory, which posits that behavior is learned through observing and imitating others.

Therefore, when children witness negative or aggressive behaviors, they may adopt similar patterns in their interactions. To address this, parents and caregivers can provide positive role models and teach emotional regulation skills, fostering healthier behavioral responses.

Expert Recommendations for Parents

Experts recommend creating a nurturing environment that encourages open communication and emotional expression. According to Dr. Daniel Siegel, a clinical professor of psychiatry, fostering a sense of safety and connection is crucial for healthy emotional development. Parents can implement consistent routines and practice active listening to help children feel valued and understood.

Additionally, engaging children in conversations about their feelings can help them articulate their experiences and reduce acting-out behaviors. This approach aligns with findings from developmental psychology that emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in childhood.

Psychological Analysis

This behavior often highlights underlying emotional distress, which can manifest in various ways, including aggression or withdrawal. Understanding these actions as cries for help rather than mere misbehavior is essential for effective intervention.

By addressing the emotional needs behind these behaviors, caregivers can help guide children toward more positive interactions and emotional regulation strategies.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

As psychological research underscores, understanding the root causes of children's behaviors often requires a compassionate and informed approach. The behaviors that may seem alarming often signal deeper emotional needs.

Creating a safe and stable environment can profoundly impact a child's ability to thrive emotionally and socially, allowing them to develop healthier coping mechanisms and relationships.

The Role of Empathy

Studies indicate that empathy development is crucial for children to understand the impact of their actions on others. Dr. Mark Davis, an expert in social psychology, emphasizes that fostering empathy from an early age can help mitigate harmful behaviors.

Encouraging perspective-taking through storytelling and discussions about feelings can enhance children's capacity for empathy. Parents and educators can create environments where children learn to consider others' emotions, ultimately leading to better social interactions and reduced misconduct.

Professional Assessment & Guidance

Addressing behavioral issues in children requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on consistent parenting and empathy development. Research from the American Psychological Association supports the idea that structured environments promote better behavior.

Parental involvement, clear boundaries, and open communication are vital for guiding children toward respectful interactions. By utilizing evidence-based strategies, caregivers can significantly improve children's social skills and reduce negative behaviors, paving the way for healthier development.