Children as young as nine years old have the capacity for retaliatory decision-making, meaning they are capable of making decisions about how to respond to perceived wrongdoings or injustices. Research has shown that by age nine, children have developed a sense of fairness and are able to understand when they have been treated unfairly.
Studies have also found that children as young as six years old can engage in cooperative behavior and show concern for the well-being of others. However, their ability to make complex decisions, including those related to retaliation, may still be developing.
It is important to note that each child develops at their own pace, and individual differences in cognitive, social, and emotional development can impact their decision-making abilities. Additionally, the context in which a child is making a decision can also play a role in their response. Factors such as the severity of the perceived wrongdoing, the social norms of their environment, and the presence of supportive adults can all influence a child’s decision-making process.
©Linda Turner http://parentalalienationpas.com 2023
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