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Published on February 21, 2008

Since the hospital opened a mental health clinic for children and youths in 2003, it has found that aggressive and self-centred behaviour by six to 18-year olds was on the rise due partly to inappropriate parenting such as being overindulgent, too strict or negligent.

Child psychologist Dr Jakkarin Pingkhalasai said such wrong parenting resulted in young people being aggressive or self-centred,expressed through behavioursuch as stealing, violence, computer game addiction, depression, being rude or lying. To counter this, the hospital is hosting workshops on March 27, April 7 and 10 to provide parents with tips on analysing their childrens' behaviour, being more communicative to avoid misunderstandings and suggesting ways to reduce aggressive behaviour.

Jakkarin said parents criticised youngsters when they did something bad, but often failed to show appreciation or reward good behaviour. This caused a lack of self-confidence, leading to aggressive behaviour.

He urged parents not to scold their children too much or compare them with others, as this may make them withdrawn and undermine their confidence.

Urging parents to recognise and reward good behaviour, Jakkarin advised them not to give gifts which boost materialism but in forms of  privilege, such as an extra hour in bed or the chance to do something they would like to do out of the ordinary.

The Nation