The aces experienced by Stephen Paddock aren't the only aces that twist the minds of children. Other adverse childhood experiences exist, and they can often result in narcissistic children who lack empathy...a dangerous combination.
Consider the following adverse childhood experiences and their consequences for the children and adults they will become.
1. Parents who never allow their child to experience the logical consequences of his actions.
2. Parents who when they tell their child to do something, don't see to it that it gets done promptly.
3. Parents who tell their child that he's/she's stupid, ugly, good-for-nothing, worthless, etc.
4. Parents who raise a child who won't take No for an answer.
5. Parents who make derogatory remarks about their child to other people while in their presence.
6. Parents who draw comparisons between their child and another family member who may be a poor role model. In other words, they say, "You're just like your no-good jailbird cousin!"
7. Parents who excuse or make excuses for their child's poor behavior.
8. Parents who bribe their child in order to elicit good behavior.
9. Parents who label their children...the irresponsible one, the wild one, the talented one, the smart one, the lazy one, etc.
10. Parents who allow their child to make mistakes and then don't see to it they learn from them.
11. Parents who allow their child to patronize corrupt media, that is, television, movies, and games that portray base, vulgar, or gratuitously violent behavior.
12. Parents who threaten punishments they are unwilling or incapable of carrying out.
These parenting behaviors and practices create monsters who prey on people. How many wives and girlfriends have been murdered by men who were raised like this??
Americans, perhaps all humans are notorious for using euphemisms to name things that make us uncomfortable. For example, using "ACES" instead of "harmful parenting". This causes confusion, misunderstandings, and delays in implementing solutions.
Let's not be afraid to name the evil. And let's not forget Dr. Felitti's words, "If you were to ask me what my thoughts are on the most effective public health advance...I would say to figure out how to improve parenting skills across the nation."
Visit advancingparenting.org.
Comments (6)