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Children who break the rules are more likely to become innovators and entrepreneurs, according to a 40-year study published in Developmental Psychology.
The study, which began in 1968, looked at 12-year-old students who were in the sixth grade and examined the influence of their intelligence, characteristics, behaviours and parents’ socio-economic status.
Forty years later, they followed up with the students and found that while the studious children were more likely to have prestigious jobs, they made less money than those who teachers described as “naughty kids”.
As for the driving factors behind this phenomenon, the authors speculate that children who break the rules went on to earn more money because they were not afraid to negotiate higher salaries or raises.
Other theories include that these children value competition. Rather than worry about getting along with others, they may be more interested in advancing their own interests.
Whatever the reasons, schools should channel this defiance into something positive, says Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and internationally recognised expert on mental strength.
“If you're raising a defiant child, you might find some solace in knowing your child's rule violations could be an asset,” Morin wrote on Psychology Today.
“Of course, you'll want to channel her energy into something positive to ensure she becomes a trailblazer who doesn't worry about pleasing everyone, as opposed to a criminal who disregards authority.”
Morin said rather than squashing the child’s spirit, their willingness to go against the grain should be turned into an advantage.
“Teach her empathy so she is kind and caring and give her consequences when she goes too far,” Morin said.
“But don't discourage her from breaking a rule or two when she's not actually hurting anyone. She could grow to become a mentally strong person (link is external) who isn't afraid to break the rules when doing so could make the world a better place.”