September 3, 2015

“Forgive and Forget.” We have all heard these words. However, for some children who already have records, the past is something that constantly follows them, or becomes a part of them. Everyone is born with the potential to achieve greatness. However, when a child adopts a problematic trait or persona introduced by an adult, he or she is already being set up to fail. Labeling Theory is a way of looking at individuals who commit crime, and why.

The theory, in essence, says that people label themselves as others label them. In other words, children see themselves as others see them. If little Johnny commits a crime and goes through the criminal court process, as he likely would, he would find that inevitably, someone would accuse him of committing some behavior, and he would, to some degree, associate that act with himself. It is important that we as adults realize that children are easily impressionable, and can easily be made to feel as if they are “bad guys.”

Here are a few tips that can help adults to help the children in their lives if problems already exist:

Keep that child busy. Involvement in organizations and working toward goals works wonders!

  • Reassure the child that the act does not define their potential.
  • Be a present parent or caregiver; be involved in their life.
  • Start with a blank slate.
  • Assure the child that you are not keeping score. There is always, always-another chance to do the right thing.
  • Be sure that you provide positive feedback for doing the right thing, and gently educate your child on how they can do better next time.
  • Always assure your child that you love them, and that you want them to do well for them, not just for you.
  • Keep the Golden Rule in mind when handling sensitive situations: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
  • Children who have problems that manifest on the outside (i.e. poor behavior) often have deeper issues on the inside. Be a safe place for your child.
  • Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help. There are resources available to help you and your child! Try looking at local programming through your child’s school.

Contact Lennard Nahajski if you have and legal questions.