Parents of Horrible Children, Where Did It All Go Wrong?

[@Lorgar64]

"Your kid acts a lot like you". Perfect way to explain to a parent why their child is a failure.

[@SinaelDOverom]

Horrible people are often successful, because many things In our society encourage aggressive behaviours of different kinds.

[@Ni-boo]

@@SinaelDOverom not really, being assertive is a good trait to have, being domineering is not. Being logical and practical is good, being callous and manipulative is not. My family is full of unsuccessful selfish people.

[@SinaelDOverom]

@@Ni-boo Being domineering and manipulative is what gets horrible people into high positions both in politics and corporations. And there are a lot of horrible people there.

[@Ni-boo]

@@SinaelDOverom where I'm from being domineering and manipulative doesn't get you far as a worker or a customer, most places have zero-tolerance for aggressive behaviour. Not to say bad people don't get high positions(mostly happens through nepotism but even then doesn't get them very far), no system is perfect.

[@SinaelDOverom]

@@Ni-boo Never worked for a corpo I see

[@morrigan909]

the second story with the 8 year old girl...the mom needs to ask the daughter how school is going...something is going on in school. I used to act out like that when I was bullied. The parents need to intervene.

[@Lorgar64]

What stood out to me in that story was 'zero positive reinforcement'. Nothing about encouragement or talking things through. It seems like there's a complete lack of communication about whatever the disease is, and mum's just punishing her for showing symptoms.

[@thepinkestpigglet7529]

Yeah my first thoughts were make sure nothing horrible is going on.

[@kaygalvin8375]

@@Lorgar64 I'm thinking adhd thats being ignored. thats how i was at 8, but at 8 my parent was too busy focusing on mu younger and older sister for her mental healt issues and and my younger sister being a spoiled tantrum baby. i acted out because it was the only attention i got. lasted until i was 15 and my mom kicked my sister out. now oir relationship is permanently damaged. parents do often focus more on one

[@mesmer3780]

Agreed. Something bad is happening to this kid. Bullying, sexual abuse, something. They need to really look into what's going on.

[@shioneshiori4471]

The fact that she describes her kid as horrible too- I’m willing to bet her daughter knows how she feels about her and knows the mom favors her brother.

[@thepinkestpigglet7529]

I'm worried about that one 8 year old girl. If she was fine until one day a year ago something traumatic probably happened a year ago. Maybe bullying or an abusive baby sitter.

[@gangstamum]

I agree. Have they even tried asking her whats bothering her???

[@gjmur]

Exactly my thought. Sudden behaviour change is a sign of abuse/trauma. She's probably scared to tell her parents because she has been programmed to believe she will get in trouble or her family will get hurt.

[@lukabelmezov7467]

I suggest a child therapist if they cant get through to her then maybe a professional can. This might be more serious than she stated

[@oxAkatsubakixo]

I think the mother is disconnected with the daughter. Rather than extending punishment for 3 hours, she should have spent that time to talk eye to eye with her. Been there. Family and relatives problem, it traumatized me. Parents fought a lot during that time, also with the relatives. My parents always think my brother is the better kid. Never asked what’s wrong with me. Always quickly angry or judging me. The more my mom punished me, the more stubborn I got. This little deserves some love. Hopefully, she’ll get help soon.

[@hitmonchan9607]

Yeah it's bizarre that the mother seems to have "tried everything" but, I dunno, sitting down and talking to your child, asking what's bothering her.

[@debshaw680]

Hahahaha I knew a perfect parent would show up to say how perfect their kid is and tell everyone else how to parent.

[@godallmighty358]

Time stamp?

[@timothyjamieson1282]

14:15 or so...

[@lukam8815]

Telling children they're better than they are makes them better, test was done with kids who were told they were perfect at math and a group told they suck, the perfect group was much better even tho at the start they were equal

[@debshaw680]

@@lukam8815 found another perfect parent. 😆 telling your kids they’re better than they are ends with them ultimately being disappointed when they are average. You encourage them to work to their highest potential, not give them false ideas of who they are. You set realistic goals, teach them to work on what’s difficult even if they fail and to see failure as a challenge to do better. Teaching them they’re exceptional when they’re not leads them into depression when they leave the nest of fakery their parents set up for them. Always be honest with your children. Tell them you have the expectation that they will do their best no matter what and they will excel in the world.

[@JohnDoe-ir2ft]

I used to be one of those parents, I was blessed with two well behaved children, and then my youngest was born and he taught me different. Lmao

[@edgaralanfrog]

If your child suddenly starts acting out and they’re still young, sit down and talk to them, something may have happened to them. Instead of time out, do time out with them and talk to them. Why doesn’t anyone sit down and talk to their kids when they notice their behavior change all of a sudden?

[@dwoodstwin]

Oh please. You think you're smarter than every parent of a bad kid? Nothing in life is that simple. "Just talk to them". Eureka!

[@commitfelonyfeline]

@@dwoodstwin Found the cruel parent

[@dwoodstwin]

@@commitfelonyfeline life isn't simple, problems aren't simple, and you're not smarter than everyone that has problems.

[@edgaralanfrog]

@@dwoodstwin no I don’t think I’m smarter than all parents, I just grew up being called a liar when I tried to talk to my mom about being raped at 6 and told to shut up every time I tried to open up to people. If maybe someone took the time to talk to me and ask me why I was cutting myself, why I tried to kill myself a bunch a times before I turned 14, then just MAYBE I wouldn’t be as screwed up as I am now. I know talking isn’t the solution to every kid’s bad behavior, but talking to them one on one instead of pawning them off to doctors or to anyone else but them won’t lead to a life of destruction, or hating themselves, and being labeled the bad kid, or the a-hole, or the outcast, the freak, and the kid no one wants to associate with.

[@emiliotanadi7358]

Um let's start with point A: ear bleeding screeches.

[@etps4444]

The one about the person who caused their mother to cry and that was their turning point is really relatable for me. When I was twelve/thirteen, I was a really horrible child. Despite my terrible living circumstances at the time, I was absolutely spoiled, and I acted out every day. I was depressed and suicidal, and those feelings turned to anger and I took that out on my family - mostly my mom. I made her cry frequently, and I'd always feel like crap afterwards. I've tried to better myself in the years since (it's been four to five years now), but just recently my mom told me that I've been acting like how I used to back then. Made me feel ashamed and I'm trying more than ever now. Hopefully I can be good again. Wish me luck. :)

[@ToastEater625]

I wish you luck.

[@etps4444]

@@ToastEater625 Thank you. ^^

[@Khaleesi_Of_Kittens]

Don't "try" just DO IT.

[@Drdirtydee]

Children are the future, unless we stop them now -Homer Simpson

[@njml4178]

At my mum’s school, a parent came criticizing how we don’t teach enough Bible study and questioned our doctrine. It’s not a religious school and has mostly Christian kids of different sects. He was a real holier than thou kind of guy. His daughter was so well behaved at school but would take the wrong stop to go hang out with her older druggie boyfriend. She became pregnant and try to kill herself. It was quite the scandal.

[@sarahdavis7541]

The second one with the 8yo girl, sounds kinda like my brother when he was that age. Turns out hes autistic. He would maintain his composure all day at school, and then lash out when he got home.

[@notaviking2475]

There was a kid at my school whose goal was to punch every kid in his grade... Legend has it he succeeded

[@thatonegaybitch5480]

lol

[@adityaagrawal7336]

yeah one annoying piece of bs was trying to do the same in my class in 7th grade, little did he know that punching me was a big mistake. one moment he is punching me in the gut, the next he is getting his head smashed on the table by me best part is that i didn't get in trouble for that

[@notaviking2475]

@@adityaagrawal7336 ha lol thats the best that basically happened too the same kid but he was stupid enough to punch the biggest kid in the grade who was about as tall as a 6 grader lol

[@adityaagrawal7336]

@@notaviking2475 that's a big *YIKES*

[@notaviking2475]

@@adityaagrawal7336 lol

[@lazy5418]

Reprimanding is vital to raising a kid. My older sister never got reprimanded, so now she breaks stuff, throws expensive stuff, hits my father and mother, degrades all three of us, runs out of the house and yells at every thing that inconveniences her. My parents realized their mistake at around around age 13, but they did one thing you can't do as a parent; apologize when you're kid is wrong. My dad would always say sorry after scolding her and thus she thinks she's always right. She's 17 and honestly, she's never going to last in the real world. And since she's older than me by two years, I end up in the same after school clubs as her and she uses her power disgustingly. I told her politely to get ready on time (she's now in danger of meeting a truancy officer because she's late pretty much everyday) and she kicked me out of a club because she was offended. I can't wait for the day that she leaves for whatever college

[@cassiefuchs3657]

You are assuming she gets into collage.

[@lazy5418]

@@cassiefuchs3657 yep, I really hope she does go live in a dorm tho and learn that not everything is gonna go her way

[@blindpeopledostuff3587]

You only say sorry if you’re wrong.

[@Khaleesi_Of_Kittens]

Well, IF she goes, she'll be right back home because that shit don't fly in the real world. College included!

[@lazy5418]

@@Khaleesi_Of_Kittens yea hope she doesn't come right back home lol we went to drop her off for college and she started yelling because she didn't pack her bags on time. At least she has some shame in public so hopefully her roommate doesn't struggle with her too much

[@antonela21]

2nd story - the kids behaviour is alarming to me: raised the same way, was completely fine before, bad behaviour is increasing and the change in behaviour was sudden. If I was OP I would look into getting a counsller for the kid and questioning the possibility that the kid is going through some sort of abuse, bullying or harassment. A change in behaviour like that is setting my alarm bells off 🚨🚨🚨

[@larytriplesix]

While I was disciplined like a guard dog, my sister was extremely spoiled. Now my parents are wondering why she‘s such a little brat. I would never allow my kids to act like little a-holes.

[@KarmaCifer]

1:30 for the stay at home mom with a girl that does tantrums. I was the same because my mother didn't gave me attention unless I had tantrums. I think the best way to make it stop is ignoring her if she does tantrums (stay at her side, look at her, but don't do anything for her and just tell her that you will wait for her to stop so you two can talk like real people). Teach her how to go to you and tell you what bothers her and how to solve her problems and have better communication techniques to ask for help and attention. If she says she want to play or needs love, don't make excuses and give her at least 5 minutes before explaining you have work to do, or she will learn again that only tantrums matter. You need tons of patience and don't make exceptions, don't give her what she wants just this one time because you are tired or the tantrums will not stop.

[@grapheist612]

To the mom of the second grade daughter who just started acting up (and, more likely, others in her position): I am not a psychologist, but what you describe sounds an awful lot like symptoms of abuse of one sort or another. I volunteer with kids and they always tell us what to look for. It sounds exactly like what you describe. It could be something else (like I said, I’m not an expert) but I recommend you take her to a child psychologist. I hope whatever happens, you all end up healthy and happy. Best of luck.

[@strikeforce1500]

Bad parents tend to either ignore or not acknowledge the why their kid end up being, well, an a-hole.I imagine is a combination of pride and negation

[@killuanatsume]

Sometime even if they are good parents their children are horrible.

[@MyLonewolf25]

Lack of responsibility and punishment. there’s your TLDR

[@strawberrycrepecookie2603]

Thx

[@therealmr.incredible3179]

Oh yeah, just sent them to a fucking Military school. Yeah?

[@Pvppy_dr3amz]

No such thing as bad child. Children either have a bad environment or mental issues. If you have a child having meltdowns at 12 years old, being violent, lacking empathy etc. Take them to a pediatric psychologist that's a mental or brain issue. Your parenting will not fix it.

[@DrinkYourNailPolish]

The respect thing makes sense. My parents would always make sure after punishing one of us they would talk to us and explain why we had been punished so we could make sure we didn't do it again.

[@Rivenmoxie]

2:16 you seriously might want to consider her father abusing her. As bad as that is those signs shes giving off, are a sign of something is seriously wrong. People dont want to admit this crap happens but sadly it does. Take care of the kids first.

[@lightfurya2087]

Former problem teen. When I was 13-15, I was being abused horribly by a teacher at school. Consequently I would lash out a lot. On a good day, I (think I) was kind and caring despite the abuse. But when I was in that teacher’s class, I became a monster. She gaslit me and I still have scars from that 4 years later.

[@lilearthdragon5280]

The second one sounds like me. 8yrs old, I started acting out, having meltdowns, biting/hitting, ect... now almost 21 and have been diagnosed with autism, bipolar type 2, and borderline personality disorder. If your child is all of a sudden acting out like this for seemingly no reason, take them to a doctor and check your family history for mental illnesses. You could seriously fuck your child up with "Oh, my 8yr old daughter is horrible,(is literally just a child) but my son (who I highly doubt is any better) is amazing!" mentality. The little girl might even be acting out because she senses the favoritism. Children are smarter than you think. Also, punishments won't work with mentally I'll children....I feel for that child.

[@changedmyusernameagain7654]

Same. I knew that woman was sus

[@randyhaight7202]

Kids are their own people. You can shape them somewhat, but if a kid decides they want to be super good or super bad, that's what they do.

[@sarahn3394]

You're one of few people that seems to understand this and not blame the parents. Thank you. I've had a hard time not replying to some of these often rude and uncalled for comments

[@randyhaight7202]

@@sarahn3394 I have kids very close together in age, and even though they were raised side-by-side, they are absolutely their own, separate people. I have an outgoing studious one, and one who struggles with school while being one of the smartest people and most talented artists that I have ever known. I am nothing like what either of my kids has become, just as I was nothing like either of my parents. Kids raised in fantastic circumstances go on to do horrible things. Kids raised in horrible circumstances go on to do fantastic things.

[@consumingkazoos]

@@randyhaight7202 sounds like the second could be burnt out. try talking to them.

[@LilDicekrazy]

Big ass excuse

[@randyhaight7202]

@@LilDicekrazy You know how I can tell people who don't have kids? Comments like this one.

[@hanast.claire2546]

When i fucked up and got in trouble, I was beat with a belt and wooden spoon. My brothers mess up? My mom: "YOU'RE THE EXAMPLE SO IT'S YOUR FAULT!!" and I'd get beat for them too. I'm the oldest of 7

[@PotterBrony82]

How do you not instantly gtfo when a child rips flesh from her brother and father with her teeth. That’s me quitting on the spot, if I see shit like that.

[@Sora_Haragashi2003]

I was the said violent child. I would scream, hit, etc. I even bit my mom on the shoulder once. (I feel bad thinking about it) I had really bad anger issues, depression and anxiety. I tried to kill my self a few times when I was 11-14. But don’t worry. I’m doing much better, and I know I just didn’t know better. I’m working on my anger management, depression and anxiety. I’m coping with it now. I’m very sorry to my parents. It must’ve been hard for you to take care of a scary child like me. Also, kudos to all you parents, caretakers, babysitters, etc. for trying to take care of children like this. God bless you and your families. P.S.- I had a rough childhood, so I wouldn’t say it’s entirely my fault, but I don’t want to point the finger at anyone. Thanks for listening to my rambling. I’m sorry to waste your time.

[@everlasting9292]

The mom of the six and eight year old is approaching it the wrong way. Something is going on, most likely at school, that the little girl cannot emotionally handle, so she's started acting out. She needs to sit her down and talk to her calmly and be open, and also talk to her teacher and school counselors and ask for some help. Outside of serious mental issues, kids don't just snap for no reason. She's gotta start with trying to find the trigger and work from there.

[@dwoodstwin]

I love all these simple answers to complicated problems. Everyone here is apparently a child psychologist. Not just any child psychologist, but the best damn child psychologists in history. You don't even have to meet the child! Brilliance

[@soumyasharan6318]

These horror stories are the reason I'm glad I've decided to be childfree

[@Kageoni187]

Autism can be a rough road. You just hang in there and figure out what works and what doesn't. People are horribly judgmental. It is this world that needs to change not the people with Autism. Neuro Diversity is beautiful and can teach people to be better versions of themselves. Because the truth is that they learn how to interact with the world by watching us. So it should always be "Do as I do" because do as I say is only truly successful if it matches your actions.

[@spykethespider5070]

2:15 something that the parents are unaware could've happened to the child with cases like that I think the guardian of the child should look into it to see if there is something more serious going on.

[@VersieKilgannon]

Sometimes "because I said so" is the only real reason any parent has. It sucks. But after so many times of hearing "why" and exhausting every thought, you just want the basic human need of being heard and understood met. Unfortunately, kids aren't wired that way. They're too young to understand that parents have their own limits and flaws

[@stinkermonker4182]

I have been given unrestricted access to the internet and I see that I'm fucked up, my family is fucked up, and people are fucked up. However, that doesn't mean I can mess up someone else's life because I'm bitter. I'm not happy, but I'm content, I know that I'm messed up, and that makes me less messed up.

[@Mimiroo]

Past problem child, my parents went through a lot while I was growing up and it still makes me feel horrible. It was nothing my parents did but I was being sexually abused from 8 to 14 by a friend’s father and severely bullied in school. I was put I to therapy because I started to compulsive lie, was suicidal and developed an ED as a coping mechanism. I was 15 before I reported to police what was going on and my parents finally understood what went wrong and they blamed themselves for never seeing the signs. My mom cried and blaming herself when I was put into an outpatient recovery for my ED and self harm. I’m doing much better now and leading a good life but I hold so much guilt for creating such a tumultuous home life and worry if it effected my little brother.

[@changedmyusernameagain7654]

I'm so sorry that happened to you. It was not you or your parents' fault. I'm also glad you are doing much better ❤

[@dennispowers3798]

I had a girlfriend who had two of the worst kids you can meet.from fires to cursing and fighting.i stepped in and got her to stop feeding these kids cereals made of sugars,chips,bars,and anything loaded in starch.breads were given to them in moderation.meals started to involved balanced foods.fruits,meats,nuts,veggies...after a while those terrible kids became beautiful beings...cant people see that in such a young age it's what you put in their tiny bodies that make an outcome.these kids are long grown up to be polite and respectful young adults...

[@xinaflar7]

Now it’s not always the case, but let’s be honest, most times shitty children are the way they are because of their parents are also shitty. Maybe the answer for some of these parents is to look in the mirror and see if maybe they are the reason why their kids wild.

[@changedmyusernameagain7654]

I agree and people need to accept that

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

If the title was reversed, I'd have many stories myself.

[@chloemorgan1385]

Oh my God, not a parent, but I had a horrific one of these as an au pair - rich French family near Paris, 3 boys (9M, 9M, 4M). I was told one of the twins had ADHD, but that was it. I fly over, and it was the worst week of my life (yes, I only lasted a week). Mum had NO control over the kids' behaviour and spoilt them, but still wouldn't let them run around the house or in the garden to get their energy out. Dad ignored the kids unless they annoyed him, and then he was physically abusive. Grandma told the boys constantly they'd be better off as girls. The youngest was a spoilt brat who acted much younger than he was, but he was mostly manageable. The twin with ADHD was alright (out of control, but fundamentally sweet), however the other twin was a NIGHTMARE despite no official diagnoses. Literally tied me up in the attic, searched through my things and tried to steal stuff, was manipulative as all hell, actively vindictive, and went out of his way to control/hurt his siblings and me. Definitely behavioural issues and potentially sociopathic tendencies, he was a piece of work. The parents overworked me like crazy (I worked almost 100 hours in the 8 days I was there, and the parents only paid me 80 euros for it), and on the final night, the nightmare twin intentionally tripped me down their big flight of stairs and I broke a toe. The mum then tried to convince me to stay, and admitted that they hadn't kept an au pair for longer than 2 months in YEARS. Needless to say, I left, reported them to the au pair company, and didn't look back. I've got a lot of experience with kids, and I have NEVER come across a family situation this bad, or kids this out of control. Abusive parents create horrific kids.

[@jacobharrison-unsell2777]

It’s really funny because they way your kid acts is a reflection or your parenting

[@OutsideGalaxy]

Hey so I was a kid who was awful. Didn't clean, had trouble keeping my grades up even though I was labeled as smart. Decent IQ, tested very well and retained information wonderfully. Acting strange, bad with emotions. It turns out I was just incredibly mentally ill which isn't something you can punish a person out of. You can potentially punish them into masking it. But that only works up to a certain point.

[@Khaleesi_Of_Kittens]

*At **3:50** this is EXACTLY what's wrong with most of these kids. STOP DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR KIDS. They need to learn responsibility. They need to make their own choices. (Good and bad. Making mistakes and learning from them is the whole point to being a human!) They need rules, chores, discipline and communication. Treat your kids like people, not dolls or accessories. You know that person inside your head that thinks and worries and plans and obsesses and wonders and loves and thinks some more and creates? That thing that makes you you. Your kids have that, too! They do and feel all the same things you do, only they're feeling them, learning them and experiencing them all for the first time. Kids also have tons of energy and they NEED to burn it off. Otherwise you'll have cranky, tantrumy, crying, undrrstimulated kids bouncing off the walls and bugging the shit out of you until you get pissed at them for being kids!*

[@Wellnseddich]

"It worked, I needed it." Um, no? No child needs or deserves beatings, wtf?! And this is never warranted.

[@dragonbreeder1995]

I dunno about that. I was pretty dead set on doing a few things that would've killed me or my family as a kid like eating the pretty sweet smelling flowers in the garden (lily of the valley), or playing scientist (mixing and drinking cleaning chemicals.). I didn't understand or care why they got so upset and would stubbornly try to prove them wrong.

[@Kayenne54]

A timely smack, calibrated carefully to the age and size of a child, is not a beating. It's a "wake up and smell the policies" of this household because this is the least life will do to you, if you try that antisocial crap outside it.

[@Wellnseddich]

@@Kayenne54 It's not a beating, but still abuse. I got this treatment and it did not make me a better or more respectful person, it just contributed to the mental problems and trust issues I have today. And this sort of punishment has been proven to be useless and, in fact, rather harmful. You want a person to be or become respectful.. by disrespecting them. That doesn't even make sense. If this is how you treat your children, I'm truly sorry for them. And for you if you can't keep your kids in line without physical violence.

[@Wellnseddich]

@@dragonbreeder1995 They could have kept the chemicals away from you and removed the poisonous plants from the garden at least until you were older instead. I decided against planting fox gloves on the balcony for that same reason, parts of them could fall down and we have lots of little ones in the neighborhood.

[@blindpeopledostuff3587]

You still need discipline.

[@ariana5812]

It does concern me when a child who isn’t even old enough to have a full personality (psychologically that happens between 7-9), is called ‘terrible’ and that apparently happens ‘all of a sudden’

[@davestechstuff8222]

crunch disapproves of horrible children

[@princessmarlena1359]

Arthur Poe, my banker, has two sons who are horrible, noisy boys with no manners. Their room is orange colored and smells of some ghastly flower. My siblings and I had to stay with him temporarily after our mansion burned down, and our parents perished in a terrible fire.

[@alekk2565]

That was definitely a series of unfortunate events for you, hope you are in a much better place today.

[@princessmarlena1359]

@@alekk2565 thanks, I am 😉

[@iSkeleton]

Something is deeply wrong with the 8 year old. Honest to god, take her to a therapist. She might not talk to the therapist right away, but keep taking her so she can learn that it's a safe, quite place, with someone who is genuinely interested in her. Eventually the therapist will notice any psychological or physical problems going on. It could be bullying at school, it could be mental illness. It could be 1000 things but sitting around speculating and taking away toys isn't going to fix this. That girl needs genuine medical attention from a licensed child psychologist. (For the record: Psychologists talk to you about your problems and help you work through them. Psychiatrists prescribe medication to help you deal with your issues. Some Psychiatrists do therapy, some Therapists prescribe. Please do you research on the doctor you're seeing before you see them.)

[@Narutojaden]

So you said that every punishment doesn’t work for this girl and she still acts out and you don’t know why and it sounds to me that this is a young child were talking about so how about instead of reprimanding her for everything that she’s doing why don’t you go in as a consoling parent and ask them what’s bothering them you might find out somethings happening you don’t want to find out

[@glassius_prime]

I mean, I always complain because everyone else has a device, but in reality, me not being allowed to have a device right away in my life affected me. I love reading, and almost all the kids I know except my brother and a couple others have a really hard time reading. It probably has to do with the fact that I didn't get to watch tv until I was 2, and even then it was a huge privilege.

[@gangstamum]

#1 be consistent. If no means no today, it should mean no tomorrow also. #2 praise them for the good things. They like praise and will try to get more of it. #3 stop giving them everything they want. Expectant children turn into chronic takers as adults. Nip that in the bud early.

[@mayorb3366]

These days (past 40 years), many parents are afraid to give their children any meaningful discipline or enforce consequences. These things set boundaries. No boundaries usually results in a kid out of control. It's best to start early, as later is usually too late.

[@tut28Angel]

My grandparents did this to my aunt, uncle and dad. When my dad turned 18 he had to leave. My Aunt and Uncle didn't have to. They did drugs and my aunt never got a job. My Uncle OD 2 or 3 years ago. I blame my grandparents for being enables. My Aunt and her worthless husband have 3 kids but they lived in shit. Like no power (except power to the TV in the living room so they could watch shows) while having no water, power to most of the house, and spoiled food. I had to call cps.

[@k-chan4842]

I was a really good kid up until my mom married a narcissist who abused her. Looking back as a 27yo, it was a mix of losing my mom's attention, knowing something was very wrong with my home life, and wanting desperately to leave a situation I had no control over. I knew then that drugs were involved, but I didn't realize how deeply imbedded those problems were in my step family. So I lashed out in any way I could think of short of doing the drugs that were screwing up my home life (thankfully). In comparison with this thread I was pretty tame, but I'm glad she left him and we have an amazing relationship now.

[@crabgal]

16:52 my guy has ADHD. I exhibited those EXACT signs before I was diagnosed. Not all people with ADHD are your typical hyperactive, unfocused kids. Some of us fly under the radar, but the signs are still there. Hopefully his mom gets him some help soon-I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 13 because I flew under the radar and ended up dealing with terrible anger issues and a difficulty communicating with people

[@Speireata4]

My parents are great parents, but they have one flaw that messed me and my sister up a bit/lot: they are extremely bad at giving praise for great achievements and thereby at sparking ambition. That means that nowadays we both don't have any feelings of accomplishment or satisfaction when we reach a goal. Therefore we both don't set any goals or high ideas.

[@blindpeopledostuff3587]

My mom wasn’t that good at telling me she was proud of me when I did something great but it’s still feels good when I actually deal. Never thank you shouldn’t have goals. But at the end of the day if no one else was praising you in some form how could you want that feeling. I at least saw it in different forms from other people. And quite honestly now that I’m an adult she can’t hide her progress. Nothing better than showing how proud you are of your child then loving the choices that they have made in life. My mother still doesn’t see it often but Loving the family that I created and the home as created says it all. Even heard her telling one of her cousins that when she needs help with some money I am right there. Lol

[@eroesel077]

The dexter reference KILLED me LMAOOOO

[@dawncortes3521]

1:15 when i was around that age i acted out like that too but ive gotten better over the years

[@denisecalvert7309]

Give that 8 year old something to think about

[@ArcticTehWeirdo]

2:20 just start giving the youngest rewards and stuff that he likes if he behaves, and continue to not give the oldest privileges, just the minimum for her. That might work, IDK tho.

[@oldwoman5942]

A family I knew many years ago had a five year old terror child. Nothing worked and when they begged for help they were told it was their fault…it wasn’t. The final straw was when he got away from her at the grocery store and as she searched for him she heard terrible crashing sounds and found that he had managed to climb up on top of a long high shelf and was crawling along it while shoving all the goods down off the shelf. He was laughing hysterically. She left the store, went home and waited. It took several hours for the cops to figure out who he was and in the end the parents refused to take him back. The poor mother was covered with bruises and scars from her son and just couldn’t handle it anymore. He was a huge kid, I mean really huge in height and weight and she was a very tiny thing so she stood no chance against the monster child. The store damage came to many thousands of dollars which they could not afford to pay. He ended up in a group home and later prison. They were good parents who had begged for help but got none.

[@butterballautocustoms8847]

my mother has always coddled my youngest brother (he's 11, I'm 21). anytime he gets in trouble, it's someone else's fault. he visited my new house a couple weeks ago with my mom and middle brother, and got in trouble for playing with my husband's expensive skateboard. he goes OFF, stomps through the house, cusses at my other brother ("what the fuck?" "what the hell?" "you're a bitch"), stomps through my house, slams my son's bedroom door, and then locks the door. my mother got angry with me for telling him to put the skateboard away, instead of getting on to him. I told her he isn't allowed back at my house until he learns how to act. she's livid.

[@reginaldinoenchillada3513]

3rd story, I feel u. My mom is a narc2 and they're so good at convincing Everybody that they're doing a good job as a mom. BECAUSE the opinions of strangers are far more important than how u feel, as the child. There's no empathy, and the person who should always fight4u thinks of u in the same way as if u were a belt or a purse or some other favorite accessory.

[@boristokarev9170]

A lot of this horribleness would be fixed by therapy and other mental health treatments. Not counting those with enabling parents. My younger brother was «horrible » - all of which turned out to be consequences of trauma and untreated mental illnesses (OCD and early onset schizophrenia). He has turned 20 this month, he is still struggling, but is very successful and incredibly sweet and intelligent young man.

[@James2005.]

Some kids rather than needing a punishment need a straight talk from the parent. Don’t punish a kid for doing something bad, have a long talk with them before it happens. Some feminists are saying fathers are useless when kids really rely on a dad talk, you need a dad talk so teach you why drugs and what not is bad. You really need someone intimidating but you also love to give you advise or you might end up a bad person.

[@darius5286]

1:54 timeout for 3 hours??? I know why her child is acting out...

[@matthew7519]

It said it was originally 10 minutes reading is fun

[@tamikens]

My previous neighbor had 2 teenaged kids that were constantly in trouble for one thing or another in the couple of years I lived next door. I know where those kids went wrong; they were unfortunately born and raised by a woman who was too worried about being their friend rather than their mother. She got pregnant at 15, dropped out of high school, and never aspired to be any better than a high school drop out. She would buy her kids vaping products and let them and their friends drink and smoke weed at her house to try and be the "cool mom". And by the time she tried to fix those mistakes, it was too late. And it probably didn't help that the most stable father figure they had in their life was being divorced by their mother at about the same time. I watched those kids lives spiral for a couple years, trying to do all I could to be an active, positive adult in their lives, but when I met them things had been going on for too long for me to have a positive impact on them. Their mother is a genuinely nice person, she just didn't have the knowledge or resources to raise them better and I constantly hope that those kids end up getting the help they need to become successful members of society, but I am doubtful.

[@lillith77]

I like how some of the responses reak of hurt feelings

[@fancyclown6863]

8 year old girls parents, have you ever had a conversation with her?

[@kohiholic4825]

Attitude cannot be transfered genetically however as a parents your kids will learn more from your actions rather than what you teach them

[@blindpeopledostuff3587]

I love how at every post it’s never really the parents. Lol

[@Catthew29]

I was the best child I became a doctor

[@capnlatenight5356]

TL; Doctor Git gud for big suxess

[@nickossantos3966]

The first story is pretty much my life. Used to be to be exact. I moved out and cut contact with them and I'm so much happier

[@fieryjalapenos4442]

Youngest nephew is 4 and is a handful. His mom defends him and no one can criticize his behavior or she gets upset. The other two are usually very very well behaved little boys and are a joy to be around. Even grandma says she can’t deal with him most of the time because he just screams and throws shit to try and get his way. If he starts acting up and you stand your ground, he will usually back down and act apologetic. But when he sees his mom, he tells on you and WW3 starts. It’s led to many people refusing to watch him and they have gone through 5 daycares and countless babysitters. I won’t watch him anymore. He and I just butt heads and his mom always blames me for whatever she can. To try and get back at me, she withholds the other 2 and says I can only spend time with them if I agree to watch the gremlin.

[@JohnDoe-ir2ft]

I used to be the parent who looked at unruly children and shook my head and thought the parents should do something about that, and then my youngest son was born and I took it all back.lol

[@annana6098]

The girl who comes home from school and turns into a monster and sat in time out for three hours. What is going on at school? There are so many things it could be, but that was the first thought. Some kids are so wound up by the end of the day, they need to cool down or explode into action, whichever works for them.

[@DanandDonna1]

Oh mannn. I remember while growing up, my younger brother (by 6 years), was weird. All his fails in grades when he was in 4th grade was "The fault of the teacher", my mom would say. He began to say that also. When I brought home a fail, I would get beat for it. Well, time went on and he was bought everything. Cars, homes, etc... Me? Being the oldest, had to save money for what ever I wanted. I married late in life. Ah well. Mom and bro are gone to the Great Beyond. Honestly, I don't feel parents taught him anything.

[@puddinmaster4704]

my neice who is currently in 8th grade start acting out 2yrs ago. cutting school, getting into fights, failing grades you name it. until she failed 8th grade and have to take it again last yr. around Sept she became a run away and on January we found out that she got pregnant.

[@filo4854]

For the story where she didn’t know what went wrong, does your kid have PANDAS? If it all happened after strep throat, get her treatment immediately

[@vilstef6988]

Last story: OP needs to abandon her parasitical family sooner rather than later!

[@wren4741]

The second grader who snapped is probably being abused by someone outside the home

[@wren4741]

Or maybe the father

[@dragondan244]

Takes pleasure inflicting pain on others, becomes a nurse..... she's totally killing her patients.

[@joelmontoya4872]

I have a pretty narcissistic mother. I am definitely thankful for my dad and a great stepmom, cause they definitely helped me cope with things in my teens. I went through a shitty phase in my early 20s, but after I kinda just had to push myself to grow up. My brother is doing good, but my sister is now out of prison and doesn't talk to anyone. She used to be completely opposite, but she got into drugs one year and just went nuts. Now she's kinda like another version of my mom. Always a victim who makes up unrealistic versions of events so she comes out victimized. It was a crazy short transformation to watch. She basically stopped talking to everyone after we stopped giving her money to feed her habit, even though we'd already given her thousands. I just feel for other people going through that shit, it's not super fun, but you can make it out okay

[@Kayenne54]

"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most".

[@Shalyn-ln9tu]

Is it that hard to talk to your children and ASK them what's wrong, why they are feeling this way? The second one really sent me. You're just disciplining, talk to her, try to get her some help. Children have real feelings and experiences, they aren't some blank thing until 18.

[@kaycoleman2063]

I wonder if the woman with the 8 year old girl who acts out has tried therapy for her daughter. Did she suffer a trauma the mom is unaware of? She needs to dig deeper here.

[@flowerpower8722]

More often than not you don't need to look past one or both parents, as they are just bigger, hairier versions of their offspring. That applies to good people too. As nobody is perfect, the best each person can do coming into adulthood, is to break the cycle, or at least tone it down and make improvements on the base model.

[@Gamefreak1974]

Some people just makes you wanting to give them a high-five, in the face, with a chair, repeatedly.

[@Species710]

Any punishment is considered child abuse.

[@CephaVa]

My mother is narcissistic but all it did to me was make me as egotistical as her, it’s hard to fix

[@RCohle452]

Parents are of such low conciousness that they complain about what they have created.

[@adityaagrawal7336]

6:19 well ye bruh my parents taught me well and i am glad they did cuz i am proud of myself now

[@Dragon228833]

Sometimes u just gotta beat a child

[@EvanBMMA]

Alrighty, two ways to fix this. Corporal punishment or check out possible abuse.

[@paticakee8686]

I used to a terrible kid then terrible teenager and finally mellowed out in early twenties mainly due to antidepressant. My sister on the other hand was a complete 180 to me as a child. The golden child you could say. Well my family finally has an awsner to why I was the way I was. High functioning aspergers with added lifelong depression

[@CastielLovesIt]

8-yr-old girl needs to see a behavioral therapist. 1 a child psychiatrist to assess if it’s physical, or mental, too r both. No shame in it. Meds, therapy, before she starts getting sent home from school.

[@bread9173]

Can relate with the last one. I literally have to babysit my 18 year old brother and he is the embodiment of a basement neckbeard/ give me my chicken tendies rreee. He is also homeschooled and doesn't know things he should know if my parents want him to do comouter stuff. I think they have legit given up on him and just baby him.

[@D1KHEAD808]

Daughter 23 and son 13 raised them different since I split with their mom when my son was 2 . I call everyday mostly get no answer or I’m busy or I’ll call you back, never missed a visit I’m 2years ahead on my child support payments. They both expressed their hate for me equally.

[@83gemm]

Ok I clearly am not gonna be able to finish this. I got to “my 8-year-old started suddenly acting out and doing poorly at school. Making her stay in time out for THREE HOURS didn’t work.” Your child has suffered something. My guess is bullying. She is name-calling because it’s happening the whole time she’s at school. Three hours. Are you insane? Get your child help.

[@zeemats4229]

Try leave them with African parents for a few days . I swear they will come back changed citizens

[@adrianvaughn1983]

1:13 this woman should get her daughter checked for ADHD

[@adityaagrawal7336]

5:55 bruh she should have yeeted the child cuz i am pretty sure that was in germany- she could have explained it by saying just two words: *OUR CHILD*

[@angiecat845]

1:15. Perhaps someone is abusing/hurting her without your knowledge. Check into that.