Reply To: Going off the Derech

TheBearIsBack-Too cliche. There are dozens of reasons why a kid goes off the derech, and probably the biggest factor has to do with the genetic make up of the child. Two kids can go through the same/similar experiences, yet one can roll with the punches, while the other goes off the derech. The personality/ego strength of the child sets the tone. Then other factors like the home, school, Rebbes, friends, neighbors and quality close relationships all have their impact. Couple this with various external factors such as illness, divorce, ADHD, trauma etc and there you have the equation for risk. Temptation and mixed messages might confuse a child. But some kids will go to appropriate sources for answers, and others won’t.