How do you know if a kid is a sociopath or just bratty?

[Anonymous]

Obviously, these kids have parents that make excuses for them on a regular basis. But, is there anything that can help a kid learn to have empathy?

[Anonymous]

Yes, empathy is taught. Google "teaching children empathy." There are tons of articles, books and programs. Don't know what age your kid is, but there are a lot of resources. You are your child's first teacher, and it's important that you do everything to make sure your kid gets this,

[Anonymous]

All kids are "bratty" because all kids are self-centered (egocentric is the term in developmental terms). Egocentrism is not a sign of a sociopath. Signs of sociopathy are enjoying seeing younger children and animals in pain. Temper tantrums and whining are not the signs of a sociopath; they are the signs of a child without rules, boundaries, and discipline. Empathy can be besides the point. Children can have empathy but still be "bratty."

[Anonymous]

I infer from "these kids have parents that make excuses for them on a regular basis" that you are judging the behavior of other people's kids, not asking about your own kids.

And if you're talking about other people's kids, what difference does it make to you if the child is a sociopath or just bratty?

[Anonymous]

I think OP's is talking about other people's children in which case I really hope she is enjoying her superiority.

[Anonymous]

Kids act badly for many reasons that have nothing to do with lacking empathy. They lack impulse control; they get overtired or are placed in inappropriate situations; they are bored or overstimulated.

[Anonymous]

Are parent's that label other people's children sociopaths, self-centered bitches or just stupid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are parent's that label other people's children sociopaths, self-centered bitches or just stupid?

Maybe they're right.

[Anonymous]

The definition of a sociopath, in the DSM (both iv and v) includes the individual in question being over 18.

[Anonymous]

I had to really work with my daughter on empathy. She wasn't bratty and wasn't a sociopath though. She just didn't understand the nuances of friendship and that you transfer the care you have for family and to a small degree, spread it around to all. She only tortured the cat once.

[Anonymous]

That's a good question. For the people putting down the OP, you've never dealt with a child that is like a bully times 10. I've only come across one child that I wondered if she could be a future sociopath.

[Anonymous]

If the child is committing crimes, such as hurting animals, and molesting other younger, more vulnerable children, that's a sign the child is heading toward sociopathy. I know someone who did these things and more.

As a pp wrote, that's not a diagnosis that applies before the age of 18.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are parent's that label other people's children sociopaths, self-centered bitches or just stupid?

Maybe they're right.

Yea, OP, sure, right

[Anonymous]

To me 'sociopath' and 'just bratty' are so far apart on the behavioral spectrum that I'm honestly perplexed by the OP. Of course there are behaviors I would worry about, but I would classify those as 'disturbing' versus bratty. But maybe others use bratty more widely than I do - to me bratty implies whiny, annoying, obnoxious, etc., but not mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I infer from "these kids have parents that make excuses for them on a regular basis" that you are judging the behavior of other people's kids, not asking about your own kids.

And if you're talking about other people's kids, what difference does it make to you if the child is a sociopath or just bratty?

it impacts whether or not you allow contact with your child/pets