Many parents worry their child’s bad behaviour 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 behavioural 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 believe genetics explain why some children thrive at preschool while others develop behavioural 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 behaviour problems at centre-based care facilities, because it has been a concern.
‘But some children (with this genetic predisposition) may be better able to manage their behaviour 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 behavioural issues.
The researchers also studied adopted children and found a link between their birth parents’ characteristics and their behaviour 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 centres, or with child minders, are more likely to have behavioural problems, such as hyperactivity.
The researchers also found that children who spend more time in pre-school 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.