{"id":711,"date":"2020-05-13T06:45:13","date_gmt":"2020-05-13T10:45:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.randywithers.com\/?p=711---1db68359-a377-4209-adb8-fc3c74939cce"},"modified":"2022-02-28T08:18:04","modified_gmt":"2022-02-28T13:18:04","slug":"bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Bad Parenting Create Juvenile Delinquents? Research Says Yes"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#Can_bad_parenting_cause_juvenile_delinquency\" title=\"Can bad parenting cause juvenile delinquency?\">Can bad parenting cause juvenile delinquency?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#What_is_Juvenile_Delinquency\" title=\"What is Juvenile Delinquency?\">What is Juvenile Delinquency?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#Bad_Parenting_and_Delinquency\" title=\"Bad Parenting and Delinquency&nbsp; &nbsp; \">Bad Parenting and Delinquency&nbsp; &nbsp; <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#Parenting_Styles_An_examination\" title=\"Parenting Styles: An examination\">Parenting Styles: An examination<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#Indulgent_Parenting\" title=\"Indulgent Parenting\">Indulgent Parenting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#Neglectful_Parenting\" title=\"Neglectful Parenting\">Neglectful Parenting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#Authoritarian_Parenting\" title=\"Authoritarian Parenting\">Authoritarian Parenting<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#A_Possible_Solution\" title=\"A Possible Solution\">A Possible Solution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/bad-parenting-creates-juvenile-delinquents\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Have you ever wondered why some children grow into adult criminals? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you think that schools are responsible, or communities, or churches? Or how about parents? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-parenting.jpg\" alt=\"bad parenting styles\" class=\"wp-image-4683 lazyload\" width=\"401\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-parenting.jpg\" alt=\"bad parenting styles\" class=\"wp-image-4683 lazyload\" width=\"401\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-parenting.jpg 534w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-parenting-120x180.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/bad-parenting-683x1024.jpg 683w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Does Bad Parenting Create Juvenile Delinquents? Research Says Yes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_bad_parenting_cause_juvenile_delinquency\"><\/span><strong>Can bad parenting cause juvenile delinquency?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many studies have demonstrated that a variety of hereditary and environmental factors show a causal relationship with juvenile delinquency. Personality disorders, physical abuse, substance dependence, and environment are just some of the many factors that can promote conduct disorder in our nation&#8217;s youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The term \u201cJuvenile Delinquent\u201d is more of a legal term than it is a diagnosis, and those children labeled juvenile delinquents by the courts are usually diagnosed with conduct disorder (Santrock, 2012).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-parenting\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Bad parenting <\/a>is also strongly correlated with juvenile delinquency. But is there one specific style of parenting that tends to prevent (or cause) delinquency? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research suggests that an authoritative parenting style dramatically decreases instances of juvenile delinquency. Conversely, neglectful <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-parents-can-manage-behavioral-challenges\/\">parenting shows a distinct positive correlation with such behavior<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words: <strong>yes, bad parenting causes juvenile delinquency.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Juvenile_Delinquency\"><\/span>What is Juvenile Delinquency?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I spent a year at two different Juvenile Detention Centers in Northern Florida, working as both a teacher and a guidance counselor in an embedded educational program for both Level 6 and Level 8 Offenders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every student in the facility had been labeled by the courts as a \u201cjuvenile delinquent,\u201d and the majority had been diagnosed with conduct disorder. A sizable percentage showed signs of alcohol and <a class=\"ek-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/co-occurring-addiction-and-depression\/\">drug abuse<\/a>, roughly one-third had been treated for venereal disease. About 15% were at one time victims of sexual abuse, usually by a close family member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most incarcerated juveniles were repeat offenders, and the overwhelming majority had no prominent male figure in their lives. In fact, of the 230 students with whom the author worked, only about 15-20 had parents who were married. The rest were either raised by a single parent, or a relative, such as a grandmother or an aunt. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the boys had never even met their biological father. Others had stepfathers who were abusive, neglectful, or just absent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One does not need to do a great deal of research to conclude that there is a correlation between bad parenting and juvenile delinquency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it would be incorrect to say with certainty that bad parenting styles produce bad children, there is nonetheless an obvious relationship between the quality of parenting and the likelihood that the child will engage in delinquent behaviors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While several social factors play a role in juvenile delinquency, research shows that the major contributing factor is indeed the family unit \u2013 specifically, parenting, or lack thereof (Mmari, et al. 2010).&nbsp; Steinberg (2000) doubts \u201cthat there is an influence on the development of antisocial behavior among young people that is stronger than that of the family\u201d (33). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He notes, as an example, that children who are physically abused by their parents are far more likely to abuse others and to expect abuse from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what are the characteristics of good parenting, and why does it lessen the chances of juvenile delinquency? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we address this issue, let&#8217;s first talk about juvenile delinquency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to understand juvenile delinquency, we need to properly define it. Berger (2000) defines juvenile delinquency as both major and minor lawbreaking by an individual aged eighteen younger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Crimes can range from relatively minor infractions, such as truancy and petty theft, all the way to rape and murder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Are Parents To Blame For Juvenile Delinquency?\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tt45HZnXG28?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Juvenile delinquency, thus, is a broad term connecting adolescents in two significant ways. First, their age, which will always be aged 18 and under. Second, that they have committed a crime and been prosecuted in a court of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because this covers such a range of offenders, researchers have sought to identify different categories of delinquency, as it is such a broad term. Hoeve, et al. (2008) have identified five categories of juvenile delinquents, with most research concentrating on drug sales and violence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The five types of delinquency include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>a non-delinquent; <\/li><li>minor-persisting; <\/li><li>moderate desisting; <\/li><li>serious persisting; <\/li><li>serious desisting trajectory. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>For the purposes of this article, we will keep our focus on the latter three categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A non-delinquent may be a first-time offender, and may never find themselves in a courtroom ever again. A minor-persisting could be a child with a history of something relatively minor, like truancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Compare that to serious persisting and serious desisting trajectory, and now we are talking about robbery, carjacking, felony assault, rape, and even murder. These levels also indicate escalation, repeated arrest, and subsequent conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Santrock (2012) notes that conduct disorder and juvenile delinquency are closely linked. According to his research, approximately five percent of American children show serious conduct disorders. An overwhelming majority (close to 80%) are males. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is indeed fair to say that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/dmdd-in-children\/\">children diagnosed with conduct disorder<\/a> are far more likely to become juvenile delinquents, which again is a legal distinction and not a clinical one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Juvenile delinquency can be caused by a variety of factors. Negative peers, proximity to violence, low intelligence, delinquent peers, and certain genetic traits all play a role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, a great deal of research suggests that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-parenting\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">the family unit<\/a> is perhaps the single greatest determiner of delinquent behavior in juveniles (Steinberg, 2000). And that&#8217;s where bad parenting comes in to focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhelp.com\/blunttherapy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow sponsored noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BetterHelp-1.jpg\" alt=\"BetterHelp\" class=\"wp-image-35447 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"314\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BetterHelp-1.jpg\" alt=\"BetterHelp\" class=\"wp-image-35447 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BetterHelp-1.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BetterHelp-1-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BetterHelp-1-400x209.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/BetterHelp-1-150x79.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><figcaption>BetterHelp offers Counseling for teens, couples, and individuals. Get 10% off with this link.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bad_Parenting_and_Delinquency\"><\/span>Bad Parenting and Delinquency&nbsp; &nbsp; <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As children develop, they attempt to make sense of the complicated world where they live. Whether they realize it not, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/is-my-child-crazy\/\">children both want and need structure.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When done correctly, structure helps a child feel safe, and when they feel safe they feel loved. Bad parenting does the opposite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The drawback of authoritarian parenting is that the \u201csecurity\u201d it provides is more like the security a prison provides as opposed to the security a parent is supposed to provide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Indulgent parenting essentially spoils children. It promotes egocentrism, selfishness, and behavioral problems (Santrock, 2012). Ironically, some parents choose this style of parents to foster creativity and confidence in their children. However, because structure is lacking, this type of parenting often fails to produce the intended results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steinberg (2000) notes that \u201cparental engagement in the children\u2019s lives is one of the most important \u2013 if not the single most important \u2013 contributors to children\u2019s healthy psychological development\u2026 adolescents whose parents are not sufficiently engaged in their lives are more likely to get into trouble than are other youngsters\u201d (36). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steinberg clarifies his position, stating that bad parenting styles are a risk factor, not a definitive cause of juvenile delinquency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The style of parenting to which he is referring is called Indifferent, or Neglectful Parenting, which is where the parents are largely absent from the child\u2019s life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, the child receives almost no structure from his or her own parents, and in turn, seeks it from other outlets. These outlets can include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facebook-depression-a-simple-but-complete-guide\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">social media<\/a>, negative peer pressure, delinquent siblings, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/guide-to-bipolar-disorder-in-children\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">child\u2019s own compromised mental health status<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is perhaps no surprise that this style of parenting will most likely produce children with conduct disorders, who in turn stand a far greater chance of being labeled juvenile delinquents by the court system (Hoeve, et al. 2007). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While authoritarian and indulgent parenting styles ultimately prove harmful to a child\u2019s upbringing, they do not correlate to delinquent behavior in the way that neglectful parenting does. It is also important to the definition of \u201cneglectful,\u201d as it applies to this style of parenting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This does not simply mean a lack of parental involvement, though that may certainly be one dimension. It includes possible mental health and <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-help-an-addict\/\">substance abuse issues<\/a> in the family, the <a href=\"https:\/\/inlawwetrust.com\/minimizing-the-effects-of-divorce-on-the-children\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">effects of divorce<\/a> on the family unit, and outside influences on the child that factor more heavily than the parent, such as peer influences or dangerous neighborhoods (Steinberg, 2000 &amp; others).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Parenting_Styles_An_examination\"><\/span>Parenting Styles: An examination<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Wright and Wright (1994), the family unit is the foundation of human society. Children who grow up in an environment immersed in conflict, or who are the victims of abuse, or who lack proper parental modeling and supervision, are far more likely to engage in delinquent behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This research is nothing new. Almost half a century ago, Eisner (1966) demonstrated that regardless of ethnicity, children raised by two parents were far less likely to commit crimes than those raised by a single parent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The world, however, has changed, with single-parent homes more of the norm than an aberration. Current research has focused not on the number of parents, but on the style of parenting to which the child has been exposed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Diana Baumrind (1971) has identified four different parenting styles and has noted that some are far more effective than others. They are as follows: Neglectful Parenting is characterized by an utter lack of involvement in the child&#8217;s life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such bad parenting causes poor self-esteem, poor self-control, and will likely promote truancy and delinquency during adolescence (Santrock, 2012).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-types-of-parenting-styles-1.jpg\" alt=\"4 types of parenting styles\" class=\"wp-image-30186 lazyload\" width=\"563\" height=\"375\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-types-of-parenting-styles-1.jpg\" alt=\"4 types of parenting styles\" class=\"wp-image-30186 lazyload\" width=\"563\" height=\"375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-types-of-parenting-styles-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-types-of-parenting-styles-1-188x125.jpg 188w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-types-of-parenting-styles-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-types-of-parenting-styles-1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-types-of-parenting-styles-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 563px) 100vw, 563px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>4 Parenting Styles. Credit to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.verywellfamily.com\/types-of-parenting-styles-1095045\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"VeryWellFamily (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">VeryWellFamily<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Indulgent_Parenting\"><\/span>Indulgent Parenting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Indulgent Parents are quite involved in their child&#8217;s life, but place hardly any demands in terms of behavioral expectations. Parents might engage in this style of parenting to promote independence and creativity, but the opposite usually occurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the hallmarks of bad parenting is a complete lack of structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children reared this way tend to be egocentric and have a hard time relating to others. It does not, however, tend to promote delinquent behavior, perhaps because the child already gets whatever he wants from his parents in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Neglectful_Parenting\"><\/span>Neglectful Parenting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Neglectful Parents are those who disregard the emotional, educational, physical, or security needs of their children. This could be willful, as in the case of abandonment, or due to ignorance and lack of education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of the reason, neglectfulness is a bad parenting style that often garners the attention of Child Protective Services. In their homes you&#8217;ll often find empty refrigerators, hazardous conditions, and limited to know adult supervision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Authoritarian_Parenting\"><\/span>Authoritarian Parenting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Authoritarian Parenting is a style where the parent&#8217;s word is Law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Children are tightly controlled and punished for transgressions. There is little verbal exchange between parent and child. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a domineering, punitive style of parenting that can result in unhappy and anxious children (Santrock, 2012).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bad parenting can present itself in several ways. This is one that&#8217;s tough to spot, because many of us associate discipline with good parenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But it&#8217;s not enough to just discipline and punish. Children must also learn why their behavior is not acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Authoritative Parenting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Authoritative Parenting is a style that encourages children to be independent but still provides the rules and consistency that children need to feel safe and in control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents who use this style will explain to their children why certain rules exist, or perhaps why a child&#8217;s behavior was inappropriate. Parents tend to be supportive and nurturing, which in turn promotes mature and age-appropriate behavior in their children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An overwhelming amount of research indicates that authoritative parenting is the preferred method of child-rearing (Santrock, 2012). The Santrock text cites examples that show that authoritative parenting transcends ethnic, social, and cultural lines, indicating that it is almost universally applicable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It does note, though, that the application of authoritarian parenting does work in certain culturally specific situations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Asian-American families, generally speaking, use a form of authoritarian parenting, but Santrock (2012) notes that this form of parenting is distinct in that it is conceptualized as a form of \u201ctraining\u201d rather than one characterized by punishment. Similar examples can be found in Latino cultures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The problem with <em>authoritarian <\/em>parenting is that it does not provide adequate context for the child. A child who is punished without understanding the reason for their punishment is simply a child being punished, as opposed to one who has a chance to learn from a mistake and thus not repeat it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Authoritative parenting shares some characteristics with authoritative parenting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Discipline and structure are key in both, but an authoritative parent tries to make sure that their child understands the reasons <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/why-kids-throw-temper-tantrums\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">why their behavior was inappropriate<\/a> and why they are being punished. Perhaps most importantly, this style ensures that the child knows that they are still loved and supported, despite the transgression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a major way in which authoritarian parenting fails \u2013 children are severely punished and are trained to think that their actions have somehow compromised their parents&#8217; love for them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Santrock (2012) notes that many longitudinal studies show that the children of authoritarian parents tend to be more aggressive, more prone to violence and delinquency, and less trusting of others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put, <strong>authoritarian parenting promotes antisocial behavior; authoritative parenting promotes socially responsible children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Possible_Solution\"><\/span>A Possible Solution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>What can we do to stem the tide of delinquency among our nation\u2019s youth? If every parent paid more attention to their children, surely that would be a step in the right direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But a massive change like that is perhaps unrealistic, at least without some form of third-party direction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In \u201cStrengthening America\u2019s Families,\u201d Alvarado and Kumpfer (2000) discuss an Initiative aimed at doing just that. They acknowledge that delinquency stems from a number of interrelated social problems, from neglectful parenting to inappropriate sexual activity, but they believe that the key is family unity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBecause families are the first point of a child\u2019s social contact, it is essential that parents understand the critical role they play in their children\u2019s development and that they are equipped with the information and skills necessary to raise healthy and well-adapted children\u201d (9). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Strengthening America\u2019s Family Initiative is a program designed to give <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/facts-about-teen-depression\/\">parents the skills they need<\/a> to decrease risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In their paper, they discuss the concept of \u201cProtective Factors,\u201d which they argue are the key to maintaining a strong family unit. \u201cParental supervision, attachment to parents, and consistency of discipline are the most important protective factors\u201d (9). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These provide a strong defense against risk factors such as peer <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/myths-about-addiction\/\" title=\"substance abuse\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">substance abuse<\/a>, parental mental disorders, bad parenting styles, family isolation, poverty, violence, and several other interrelated social issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It seems as if awareness is a key weapon in the war against juvenile delinquency. Many parents simply need to be educated about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-parenting\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">risks associated with improper parenting<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents who are teenagers themselves, or who are mentally ill or addicted to drugs, or who are themselves the victim of bad parenting styles must learn the skills necessary to raise their children in environments where an overwhelming amount of risk factors place their children in constant danger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By providing the skill sets to these parents, the Initiative hopes to reduce the overall percentage of juvenile delinquents in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Having worked for years with repeat juvenile offenders, I have seen firsthand the dangers of juvenile delinquency. The epidemic is not just destructive to the family unit but to society as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teenage criminals are in many ways more dangerous than their adult counterparts. They tend to lack a firm grasp of consequences in the way that adults do, and because their perspective is that of a child\u2019s, their understanding of the ramifications of their actions is compromised. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without proper supervision, juveniles are incredibly susceptible to negative peer influences, and may simply lack the coping skills most adults have to face the challenges implicit in daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So important is the concept of structure in a child\u2019s life that many residents of juvenile correctional faculties actually prefer incarceration to life on the streets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many, a detention center provides meals, shelter, medical care, and protection from predators. Perhaps most importantly, many juvenile offenders find their first real positive role models inside the walls of the detention facilities \u2013 the guards and teachers and caseworkers and therapists to which they are assigned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps it comes as no surprise that authoritative parenting promotes well-adjusted youth. It should also be obvious that neglectful parents tend to produce conduct disorders in their children, which in turn produces juvenile delinquents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The overwhelming amount of research and data demonstrates conclusively that there is such a thing as proper and improper parenting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While neglectful parenting does not absolutely cause conduct disorders, the relationship is undeniable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Santrock (2012) and others note that an integrative approach to parenting is often effective as well, the practicing therapist can rest assured that the authoritative parenting style is the best defense against juvenile delinquency, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-parenting\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">neglectful parenting style<\/a> is the most likely cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is thus imperative for parents to understand the importance of positive involvement and the <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-parenting\/\">dangers of neglect.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Alvarado, R., and Kumpfer, Karol (2000). Strengthening America&#8217;s families.&nbsp;<a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/ojjdp.ojp.gov\/library\/publications\/list?series=OJJDP%20Journal%20of%20Juvenile%20Justice\" target=\"_blank\">Journal&nbsp;of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention<\/a><em> 7(3): 9-18,<\/em><\/li><li>Baumrind, Diana (1971). Current patterns of behavioral authority.&nbsp;<em>Developmental Psychology<\/em>. &nbsp;4(1, Part 2): 1-103.<\/li><li>Berger, K.S. (2000). the developing person through childhood and adolescence. New York:&nbsp;Worth Publishers<\/li><li>Chung, He Len, &amp; Steinberg, Laurence. (2006). Relations between neighborhood factors,&nbsp;parenting behaviors, peer deviances, and delinquency among serious juvenile offenders.&nbsp;<em>Dev Psychol.&nbsp;<\/em>42(2): 319-331<\/li><li>Forehand, Rex, et al. (1997). Role of parenting in adolescent deviant behavior: replication across&nbsp;and within two ethnic groups.&nbsp;<em><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/pubs\/journals\/ccp\/\" target=\"_blank\">Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology<\/a><\/em>: &nbsp;65(6):1036-1041.<\/li><li>Hoeve, M., Blockland, A., et al. (2008). Trajectories of delinquency and parenting styles.&nbsp;<em><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/journal\/10802\" target=\"_blank\">Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology<\/a>,&nbsp;<\/em>36, 223-235.<\/li><li>Mmari, N.K., Blum, W.R., &amp; Teufel-Stone, N. (2010). What increase risk and protection for&nbsp;delinquent behaviors among American India Youth? Findings from three tribal&nbsp;communities.&nbsp;<em>Youth &amp; Society<\/em>, 41, 382-413.<\/li><li>Ryan, Joseph P. &amp; Testa, Mark F. (2005). Child maltreatment and juvenile delinquency:&nbsp;investigating the role of placement and placement instability.<em>Children and Youth&nbsp;Services Review<\/em>. 27(3): 227-249<\/li><li>Santrock, John W. (2012).&nbsp;<em>A topical approach to lifespan development (<\/em>6th Ed.<em>).&nbsp;<\/em>New York<em>:&nbsp;<\/em>McGraw-Hill.<\/li><li>Steinberg, Laurence. (2000). Youth violence: do parents and families make a difference?&nbsp;<em><a rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/nij.ojp.gov\/library\/nij-journal\" target=\"_blank\">National Institute of Justice Journal,<\/a> 31-38<\/em><\/li><li>Wright, Kevin N. and Wright, Karen E. (1994).&nbsp;<em>Family Life, Delinquency, and Crime: A&nbsp;Policymakers Guide<\/em>. Research Summary. Washington, D.C: OJJDP: 4-21.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever wondered why some children grow into adult criminals? Do you think that schools are responsible, or communities, or churches? Can bad parenting cause juvenile delinquency?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":30189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"no","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[972,60,36,62],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg",1600,900,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents-1536x864.jpg",1536,864,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg",1600,900,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Does-Bad-Parenting-Create-Juvenile-Delinquents.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":9,"uagb_excerpt":"Have you ever wondered why some children grow into adult criminals? Do you think that schools are responsible, or communities, or churches? Can bad parenting cause juvenile delinquency?","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}