1. Lack of empathy:
A lack of empathy is a hallmark sign of a sociopath, especially in children. It can manifest as an inability to understand the emotions and feelings of others, or an inability to take responsibility for their own actions. They may also show disregard for other people’s boundaries and may be prone to lying and manipulating those around them.
2. Aggression:
Children who are sociopaths often demonstrate aggressive behavior, both verbal and physical. This aggression can stem from either a lack of control or a need to assert power over another person or situation. Such aggression can range from name-calling and bullying to full-blown violence against another person or object.
3. Extreme tantrums:
Sociopaths are known for their extreme temper tantrums when things don’t go their way or when they feel threatened in any way. These outbursts often involve threatening language, violent gestures and sometimes even physical violence towards people or objects. The child may also become irrational and unreasonable during these episodes, unable to be reasoned with until the outburst has subsided.
4. Chronic lying:
Sociopathic children tend to be chronic liars who will often fabricate stories and situations in order to get their way or manipulate those around them into doing what they want. They may lie about things happening at home, school, work or anywhere else that allows them the opportunity to do so without repercussions.
5. Superficially charming:
Sociopaths are known for being charming on the surface while harboring sinister motives underneath that charm. A child sociopath might seem likeable on the outside but have ulterior motives behind their interactions with others, such as manipulation or getting what they want out of a situation through deceitful means rather than honest ones.
6. Animal cruelty:
As part of their callousness towards others’ feelings, child sociopaths may display cruel behavior towards animals as well as humans - ranging from teasing pets aggressively, injuring animals intentionally or neglecting them altogether due to lack of empathy for other living creatures apart from themselves.
7. Criminal behavior:
Some sociopathic children may eventually engage in criminal behavior such as theft, vandalism, assault etc., due to a lack of remorse for breaking laws combined with an increased propensity for risk-taking activities that could bring about short-term gain regardless of potential negative consequences down the line.