anger

What does it mean if an 8yr. old child is angry at a parent and to get back at them they spread their own feeces all over a wall and promise to continue this behavior if the parent continues to be mean to the child.  Why would a child resort to doing something like that.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Carmin,

Smearing of feces is a very regressed and disturbed way of expressing anger. It is almost always true that such behavior is symptomatic of emotional disturbance and problematic family relationships. Involvement with a mental health professional would certainly be wise.