4 Common Misbeliefs about Children’s Growth

Children grow amidst a lot of myths and misbeliefs. Most of these misconceptions tend to ruin their life. Many parents blindly believe that these myths are true! But this is far from reality. Detailed below are the 4 common misbeliefs about children’s growth and behavior.

Misbelief 1: Children are becoming more violent and grow up to be violent youth as they grow up, playing violent games

Exhibiting violence behaviour in youth is not result of playing violent video games! There has been a decline in the rate of youth violence during 1990s. The rate of juvenile crime was dramatic during 70s and 80s. It has reduced by 49% during 2004. Most of the so-called violent video games were launched in the past 15 years. However, the rate of crime is reducing. Violence in youth is not related to playing violent games, rather it is about lack of love and care from family and society and the environment that the child grows in.

Misbelief 2: Television causes ADHD

Parents need a reason to cut down television time for their children. With an unfortunate increase in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affecting children, a solid cause had to be identified to justify the case, and the Television was the easy target.

It is alarming to relate behavioral and psychological disorder of a child with something that is irrelevant. Can we link early puberty to television? Not really! Of course, the causes of ADHD are not known and not proven. So why blame the Television.

Misbelief 3: Kids are growing at a rapid pace

There can’t be another thought more absurd than this one. Kids aren’t growing faster; they are growing naturally like ever before. Growth appears faster among children due to the rapid changes and development in technology, media and communication. A few decades ago, the telephone was not commonly used in many households. There were no cell-phones! Televisions were rare! Children belonging to the early 90’s saw a sea change happening in terms of the entry of these elements in their lives. Nowadays, kids know a lot of things that their parents may not have been exposed to during their childhood. When elders may find it difficult to operate a new smartphone, kids can effortlessly do it! Maybe if the present day parents were exposed to these in their childhood, they would not feel that their children are growing much faster than normal. So, this myth just does not hold water.

Misbelief 4: Kids of the present generation are selfish, apathetic and self-centered

Another absurd claim on children of this generation! This misbelief was common until a few years ago and it is changing. It is observed that currently, even high school kids are volunteering for many noble causes, which was not the case a couple of decades back.