How To Make a Delinquent in 12 Easy Lessons

Delinquent or Angel? How are they made? Nature or Nurture?

This document was handed to me by our local minister a while ago and resurfaced in my 'to do' pile whilst I was looking for a really important lost document. Evaluation meeting number three I think. Still can't find the damn thing, and it's today!

It was written by a Mr John Clarke from the Police Dept in Houston, Texas. Does it ring a bell or two for you? Any comments, or is it just a flippant bit of nonsense?

1. Begin at infancy to give the child everything he wants. In this way, he will grow up to believe the world owes him a living.

2. When he picks up bad language, laugh at him. This will make him think he's cute.

3. Never give him any spiritual training. Wait until he is 21, and then let him 'decide for himself'.

4. Avoid the use of the word 'wrong'. It may develop a guilt complex. This will condition him to believe later, when he is arrested for stealing a car, that society is against him and he is being persecuted.

5. Pick up everything he leaves lying around, books, shoes and clothes. Do everything for him so that he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility on others.

6. Let him read any printed matter he can get his hands on. Be careful that the silverware and drinking glasses are sterilized, but let his mind feast on garbage.

7. Quarrel frequently in the presence of your children. In this way they will not be too shocked when the home is broken up later.

8. Give a child all the spending money he wants. Never let him earn his own. Why should he have things as tough as you had them?

9. Satisfy his every craving for food, drink and comfort. See that every sensual desire is gratified. Denial may lead to harmful frustration.

10. Take his part against neighbours, teacher's and policemen. They are prejudiced against your child.

11. When he gets into real trouble, apologise for yourself by saying, 'I never could do anything with him'.

12. Prepare for a life of grief. You will be likely to have it.