Focus on the Family
Dr James Dobson writes:
We receive about 10,000 letters and phone calls every day and I want to devote the next two or three commentaries to a few of the many questions submitted by parents and grand-parents. Let's start with this one:
"My husband and I are doing far too much disciplining our kids. Is there another way to encourage them to cooperate?"
Well, a child's continual misbehaviour may reflect a need for attention. Some kids would rather be wanted for murder than not wanted at all. Try putting some fun and laughter into your relationship and see what happens. You may be surprised.
Here's another question:
"My seven-year-old son has been doing some pretty awful things to neighbourhood dogs and cats. We've tried to stop him but I wonder if there's anything more to be concerned about here."
Cruelty to animals can be a symptom of very serious emotional problems in a child, and those who do such things repeatedly are not typically just going through a phase.
It should definitely be seen as a warning sign that ought to be checked out.
I don't want to alarm you or overstate the case, but early cruelty is correlated with violent behaviour as an adult.
I'd suggest that you take your son to a psychologist or psychiatrist for evaluation and, by all means, never tolerate any sort of unkindness to animals.
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Well, as a grandparent myself and a volunteer with errant kids, besides getting them to see a 'shrink' (is this a word I can use, otherwise, pardon me) I would like to recommend sending the kids to an animal shelter or even the zoo.
I feel that every kid just emulates what they see in their growing years and if they are surrounded by other people who have somehow shown that being a bully or tough guy pays, then they would follow suit.
When surrounded by TLC and bombarded with love and kindness then there is no way the kid will want to be otherwise.
Just my two-bits. Take care.