Are some children naturally unhappy? Or is this to do with parenting?

[Earthstar]

Is there such a thing as a child who is "unhappy by nature" or is this a myth and really a result of poor parenting?

What do you think?

do you mean grumpy ?
I think there could be other reasons for an unhappy child other than poor parenting such as bullying or illness.

no not grumpy, just a kid who doesn't enjoy their life much

How old is the child? That will have a lot to do with any answers we can give. I mean, a toddler - it could be anything or they could just be not very good at expressing emotion; an older child, well that's a whole different kettle of fish.

I think some people have more negative personalities than others and this isn't necessarily a result of parenting.

All my kids are very different.

None of them are particularly 'grumpy' or whatever, though DS3 is very happy most of the time. Contented, rarely cries, is always smiling and giggling.

I know DH for example is a bit of a pessimist and always assumes the worst etc whereas I am quite optimistic and try to see the best all the time iyswim?

What ByTheSea said.

older child, tottwriter

I think it can be part of the personality. Ds2 is a very pessimistic child but his 3 siblings have rather bubbly personalities.

But... I also do realise that because he is "never happy" (not tottally true) he tends to ennoy me faster I tell him to try and see the good side of things every now and then and that probably reenforce his "unhappyness", IYSWIM.

I think so - if you have subtle problems with, for instance, processing body language, or physical coordination, or understanding language, then your early experiences will be more confusing and less satisfying, your anxiety levels will shoot up, and you will be less happy generally. If you have loving and understanding siblings and parents, that will soften the blow though.

I think my son would have been destined to be unhappy because of his anxiety, but for the fact that he and his older brother are an inseparable team.