Link between exposure to smoke and bad behaviour
CHILDREN whose mothers smoked while pregnant begin to exhibit behavioural problems as early as 18 months of age, according to new research.
A study of 93 toddlers found those whose mothers had smoked were "significantly more likely" to be aggressive and stubbornly refuse to follow directions. They were also less likely to play with their mothers.
The researchers found that nearly all the toddlers with serious behaviour problems at the age of two had been exposed to cigarette smoke in the womb. From the age of 18 months to 24 months their behaviour got worse in contrast to those children not exposed to smoke.
Dr Lauren Wakschlag, of Illinois University, who worked with other US academics and one from York University on the research, said: "By characterising how disruptive behaviour unfolds in [smoke] exposed children, we also highlight a window of opportunity for interventions to alter the course of these problems and prevent the development of serious and chronic disruptive behaviour disorders."
