Re: Little kids and relationships
Before 5 is the mot crucial age, children are developing the neural pathways at the tender ages the circuits that get used more are reinforced. If parents reward the friendly happy behavior that will get reinforced if they succumb to aggression and tantrums than that is the rewarding behavior. Kids growing in a happy loving environment where various activities are encouraged and curiosity appreciated will be friendlier. Despite my disapproval, my wife invited this family over and their young son wanted my boy to give him candy and upon being refused he tried to stab him with scissors.
I deal with young families and you can definitely see a difference parenting makes. Even infants learn good and bad behavior.