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Many of us might be fascinated by horror on the screen and in the yellowing pages of our books, but it’s a whole other story when we face it in real-life. Especially when the source of it might be our tiny little munchkins. Innocent angels? Not all the time, apparently.

Bored Panda dove deep into the darkest recesses of the internet to collect some of the weirdest, scariest things that children have done that totally creeped their parents out. Sure, some of these posts look amusing, even comical, but some of these behaviors are really worrying. We don’t want to use the word ‘evil,’ but it’s the type of mean and peculiar stuff that’s bound to make nearly any grownup concerned.

If you’re a Parent Panda, we’d like to hear about the strange and even scary things your own kids have done. Tell us all about how you reacted and taught your toddlers not to do that ever again. Meanwhile, when you’re done with this list, you’ll find Bored Panda’s previous articles about truly chilling child behavior right here, here, and here.

Bored Panda wanted to understand how children learn about right and wrong, how parents can help them become more caring, as well as about people's capacity for empathy, so we reached out to Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph.D. Eileen is an internationally published author, speaker, mom of four, and a psychologist in private practice. One of her most recent books for children that she authored is 'Moody Mood Cars.' She was kind enough to answer our questions and stressed that when kids end up doing something that's less than kind, parents shouldn't assume that it's "a sign of terrible things ahead." 

#1

This Kid Is Going Places

This Kid Is Going Places

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"Children learn from observation of what others do, but also through explicit teaching and explanations, and through experience and observation of how others respond to certain actions," Eileen explained to us. The psychologist revealed to Bored Panda that people's capacity for empathy can grow throughout their lives. Broadly speaking, the older we are, the more we understand and care about the feelings of others.

"In general, we become more empathic at 19 than we were when we were at age 9, and that continues, so we're more empathic at 29 than 19, at 39 than 29, simply because we've experienced more of life, so it's easier for us to put ourselves in someone else's shoes," she said.

According to psychologist Eileen, there are three 'ingredients' that children need to respond to others in a caring way. First of all, they need to be able to imagine someone else's thoughts and feelings. "The ability to imagine accurately someone else's perspective generally begins around age 4 and grows with age and experience," Eileen explained to Bored Panda.

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#2

My 8-Year-Old Is A Jerk And Almost Made Me Burn My House Down

My 8-Year-Old Is A Jerk And Almost Made Me Burn My House Down

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Secondly, kids need to be able to manage their own distress. "Kids don't have the bandwidth to respond kindly to someone else if they are overwhelmed by their own feelings." And third of all, they need to believe they're capable of helping others. "If they don't think they can help or don't know how, they're likely to freeze or avoid situations where someone is upset." And parents play a vital role in helping their kids develop more empathy for others.

"Parents can help by talking about people's thoughts and feelings as they come up in books, movies, or real life. This gives children a window into people's internal life that helps with perspective-taking. Parents can help children manage their own emotions by naming those feelings as well as teaching specific coping strategies such as distraction, deep breathing, counting to ten, or using words to ask for what they want," the psychologist said.

"Finally, parents can guide children toward seeing themselves as helpers by talking about how children's kind actions impact others. For instance, they might say, 'That was kind of you to help your brother with his block tower. He was sad when it fell down, and he felt happier when you helped him build it up again.' Or, 'Thank you for helping me put away the groceries. I'm happy that we got the job done quickly.'"

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#6

This Is How My 2.5-Year-Old Niece Insists On Holding Her New Baby Brother

This Is How My 2.5-Year-Old Niece Insists On Holding Her New Baby Brother

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It's inevitable that children will eventually make a mistake and do something that isn't kind. It's a question of when, not if. In those cases, parents shouldn't rush to conclusions and should not assume that this is an indication of "terrible things ahead." After all, we all make mistakes sometimes.

"Instead, acknowledge good intentions, describe the other person's feelings, and focus on moving forward. For instance, you could say, 'I know you're excited about going on the swings, but your sister also wants to swing, and she's sad that she hasn't had a turn yet.' Then, to move forward, you could ask, 'What can you do to help her feel better?' or 'What would be fair to everyone?'"

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#7

This Person's Child Built A Cicada Skin Army

This Person's Child Built A Cicada Skin Army

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#8

Asked My Sister If My Nephew Was Enjoying The Wedding. This Is The Picture She Sent Back

Asked My Sister If My Nephew Was Enjoying The Wedding. This Is The Picture She Sent Back

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Look, the fact of the matter is that nearly everyone has done or said some incredibly weird stuff when they were kids. (Some of us never grew out of it!) We experiment. We test limits. We learn about what’s right and wrong by copying others and putting our ideas into practice.

However, there’s always a line. Once crossed, someone’s behavior turns cute and whacky to something resembling immoral. Cutting off your doll’s hair or spooking your parents with a cardboard cutout in the dark isn’t the same as hurting someone or putting nails and screws in someone’s shoes. Super occult, esoteric crayon and colored pencil pictures probably lie somewhere in the middle.

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The vast majority of parents would probably agree that they want their children to grow up to be upstanding, kind, moral citizens. Kindness forms a core part of who we are as human beings. Without this hardwired instinct, there would be no society, no desire for cooperation. However, another part of the equation are the moral lessons that we (do not) pick up from our parents and loved ones as we grow up. Sometimes, there are some blindspots regarding morality and empathy that kids might need some help and guidance to correct.

#10

Our Airbnb Had A Translucent Bathroom Door. I’m Used To My Impatient Toddler Stalking Me Through The Bathroom Door, But This Took It To A Much Creepier Level

Our Airbnb Had A Translucent Bathroom Door. I’m Used To My Impatient Toddler Stalking Me Through The Bathroom Door, But This Took It To A Much Creepier Level

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Nathaniel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do children instinctively know how to make everyday life a horror movie?

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#11

My Two Older Children Were Trying To Lay Out All Of Their Pokémon Cards, But The Youngest Kept Intervening, So They Duct-Taped Him To A Chair

My Two Older Children Were Trying To Lay Out All Of Their Pokémon Cards, But The Youngest Kept Intervening, So They Duct-Taped Him To A Chair

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#12

My 3-Year-Old Nephew’s Nanny Cam Tonight

My 3-Year-Old Nephew’s Nanny Cam Tonight

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some dope moves he got there. The only thing missing is intense spinning

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Very recently, licensed counselor Suzanne Degges-White, a professor at Northern Illinois University, explained to Bored Panda that family beliefs, spiritual beliefs, and our own biology lead us to be kind to others.

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"Many of us are raised to believe it is the 'right thing to do.' Basically, all spiritual belief systems have a version of the 'Golden Rule, 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,'" the professor told us.

"We also do good turns because we know that one day we may be in need of a little 'generosity from the universe,' so it's like putting 'money' into a karma account," she explained why people tend to be nice towards others and lend a helping hand. That’s not all, though.

#13

People These Days Don't Appreciate Compliments

People These Days Don't Appreciate Compliments

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#14

This Is Why The Scariest Horror Movies Involves Young Girls

This Is Why The Scariest Horror Movies Involves Young Girls

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#15

She Lived To Tell The Story

She Lived To Tell The Story

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Whodathunkit
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She could have died. How old were these boys? They shoukd have known better.

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"Lastly, humans are wired so that when we do something kind for another, we feel good about ourselves and neurotransmitters like endorphins and oxytocin have been shown to get a boost when we do something good for another. It is through cooperation that society functions, so the survival of the human race depends on being willing to help others. Family values, spiritual beliefs, and biology all play a part in this motivation," she told Bored Panda.

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#17

Ahh, Yes, The Kid's First Structure

Ahh, Yes, The Kid's First Structure

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"Many of us take pride in being of service to others as it is culturally valued and we want to hold significance in our worlds. So when we do good deeds, we show others our willingness to help those in distress/need; we live out faith-based encouragement to treat others the way we would like to be treated, we uphold family values, and our brains get a positive jolt of happiness when we help others," Suzanne said that we feel good when we do good deeds. That’s usually all the motivation needed to act kind.

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#20

My Son Made A Paper Enderman And Hung Him From The Ceiling Outside His Room. I Just Met Him In The Dark

My Son Made A Paper Enderman And Hung Him From The Ceiling Outside His Room. I Just Met Him In The Dark

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

O Enderman Enderman, where art thou Enderman? Hiding in plain sight are we

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#21

Guy In One Of My Dad Groups Found This In His Kid's Room

Guy In One Of My Dad Groups Found This In His Kid's Room

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Parenting blogger Samantha Scroggin, from ‘Running Outside in Slippers,’ told Bored Panda what parents can do to get their children to open up to them. She stressed that the main thing for parents to do is not to judge, no matter what they hear. That helps build trust.

#22

Yeah, I Wouldn't Sleep Great Either. Why Are Kids So Damn Creepy

Yeah, I Wouldn't Sleep Great Either. Why Are Kids So Damn Creepy

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#23

My 9-Year-Old Son Drew Me A Picture

My 9-Year-Old Son Drew Me A Picture

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"If they had a bad dream or even a yucky thought they can't shake, I'll be there with them and we'll talk it through. I think working to be non-judgemental and staying calm even if your kid might be overreacting helps cement your child's trust of you as a parent. Believe that they are being truthful of their perception of events," the blogger said.

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#26

This Afternoon I Noticed Him Sneakily Grabbing Some Fishing Nails, So I Followed Him And Caught Him Red-Handed

This Afternoon I Noticed Him Sneakily Grabbing Some Fishing Nails, So I Followed Him And Caught Him Red-Handed

He told me he was setting a trap.

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#27

A Nanny Of 4-Year-Old

A Nanny Of 4-Year-Old

I’m a nanny. One of the kids had been pulling out strands of my hair several times a day for months, despite being scolded and getting time out for it. Then she shows me this hair bracelet she made “so part of you is always with me”. She’s 4.

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Meanwhile, when it comes to protecting kids in the community, it’s important to find a balance between staying vigilant and respecting others’ privacy.

"We all need to stay vigilant when it comes to the care of children. If any of us even suspect abuse, we need to report that. That said, if the children are safe and cared for, and no laws are being broken, I say let parents parent how they see fit," Samantha shared her opinion.

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#29

My Kid Was Playing Workshop While I Fixed The Garage Door Yesterday. Super Glad I Checked My Shoe Before Putting It On

My Kid Was Playing Workshop While I Fixed The Garage Door Yesterday. Super Glad I Checked My Shoe Before Putting It On

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture depicts OOOWW OOUUCH AAAAAHHH with some high level swear words dropped here and there

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#30

My Sister Has An Interesting Hobby

My Sister Has An Interesting Hobby

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have questions about the second-last one's head and the complete last one

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"We have different experiences and beliefs, and that will reflect in how we raise our own kids. We can judge all we want, but we should practice restraint in staying out of other families' business. Because we wouldn't want someone poking their heads into our lives telling us how to parent our kids," she said.

#32

Hmm, That's A Worry

Hmm, That's A Worry

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#33

Introducing, My Middle Child (Please Note The 3 Other Children Playing Normally In The Distance). She Found A Deceased Squirrel And Was Super Excited

Introducing, My Middle Child (Please Note The 3 Other Children Playing Normally In The Distance). She Found A Deceased Squirrel And Was Super Excited

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Mermaid Elle-Jaye
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nawww ❤️ I was around the same age when I found my first dead thing ❤️ it was a flat sugar glider

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#34

I Love My Son, But Checking The Monitor And Seeing This Always Creeps Me Out

I Love My Son, But Checking The Monitor And Seeing This Always Creeps Me Out

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#35

Are We Just In A Dream Right Now?

Are We Just In A Dream Right Now?

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JustAnother Soul
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Encourage his curiosity and imagination. The world needs more deep thinkers.

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#36

This School Project Someone's Kid Made

This School Project Someone's Kid Made

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#37

I'm Just Wondering How Long That Bee Has Been Under There

I'm Just Wondering How Long That Bee Has Been Under There

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#38

Think My Daughter Found Her Baby Monitor

Think My Daughter Found Her Baby Monitor

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#39

My Daughter Made A Realistic-Looking Necklace Made Of Clay Teeth

My Daughter Made A Realistic-Looking Necklace Made Of Clay Teeth

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#40

My Cousin Woke Up In The Middle Of The Night And Randomly Looked At The Baby Monitor And Saw This

My Cousin Woke Up In The Middle Of The Night And Randomly Looked At The Baby Monitor And Saw This

She said it scared the hell out of her. She stayed like this for several minutes.

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Michelle C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It may seem creepy to you but I wonder what it's like for the kid...sitting in the dark but there a little light just on in the corner, I wonder what that is??? Night vision cameras of affordable price aren't stealth, they have a little light on them, could be red or green. You can see it in her eyes. She's not staring into your soul, she's just wondering what that glowing dot is

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#41

My Son Discovered That I'm Not Really At Work, But Am Working From Home

My Son Discovered That I'm Not Really At Work, But Am Working From Home

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Brendan Roberts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my son found out, his favourite new hobby was to bash away at my keyboard...so, as that's no different to what I do, he now covers my work while I have a nap.

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#42

All Fun And Games Until The Hypothermia Sets In

All Fun And Games Until The Hypothermia Sets In

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#43

Furby Torture

Furby Torture

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Laura Mende (Human)
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ONLY good thing to do with a Furby... Creepy little freaks! (I mean the Furbys, not the kids, the kids are alright!)

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#44

So When I Was A Kid Me And My Sister Always Used To Play “Crucify”, And My Sister Once Complained That She Couldn’t Use Actual Nails On Me

So When I Was A Kid Me And My Sister Always Used To Play “Crucify”, And My Sister Once Complained That She Couldn’t Use Actual Nails On Me

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#46

Let’s See Mom Get Arrested. That’ll Be Hilarious

Let’s See Mom Get Arrested. That’ll Be Hilarious

CHP - South Sacramento Report

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Mermaid Elle-Jaye
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That would of cost an a*s whooping and grounding with the silent treatment if I was this kid 😂

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#47

Disembodied Children's Voices Coming From Somewhere Closely Behind My House

Disembodied Children's Voices Coming From Somewhere Closely Behind My House

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DUN DUN
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Imagine hearing a child's voice saying "Ready or not here I come Heeheehee" at 10 pm in the night- when insects are chirping, when the whole neighborhood is quiet af, the owl hooting somewhere deep in the forest. Yeah, just imaaagine

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#48

My Son Stuck His Finger In My Eye And Scratched Off The Whole Top Layer Of My Cornea

My Son Stuck His Finger In My Eye And Scratched Off The Whole Top Layer Of My Cornea

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David Henry
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are all making me so glad I'm gay! I'll be having none of this b******t, thank you very much. ^_^

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#49

Despite Multiple Talkings Too, My 2-Year-Old Keeps Leaving Dolls In Life-Like Positions Around The House. Scares The Life Out Of Me Everytime

Despite Multiple Talkings Too, My 2-Year-Old Keeps Leaving Dolls In Life-Like Positions Around The House. Scares The Life Out Of Me Everytime

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#50

My Kid Watching Me Poop

My Kid Watching Me Poop

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Note: this post originally had 105 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.