How to Raise a Juvenile Delinquent

I was going through my old files and found this. I believe it was from a United States Police department (circa 1970).

1. Begin with 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 words, laugh at him. This will make him think he is cute. It will also encourage him to pick up cuter phrases that will blow the top off your head later.

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

4. Avoid 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 that he leaves lying around.. Books, shoes and clothing. Do everything for him so he will be experienced in throwing all responsibility onto others.

6. Let him read any printed matter that 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. 10 Take his part against neighbours, teachers and policemen. They are all prejudiced against your child.

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

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



To be non gender specific, substitute she for him when appropriate.

Has anything changed over the last 40 years?