Children and animals are great "detectors" and indicators that tell us immediately if/when we are connected with our Selves and authentic - or not. The dramatically increasing rates of depression, disruptive behaviour, screen addiction, overall mental and physical imbalances amongst younger and younger children are signs for us to have a closer look at our Selves.
A Swiss veterinary friend told me about increasing rates of depression and other "mental health and behavioural issues" amongst animals (he was referring to "pets", farm animals = animals in captivity). The popularity of animal communicators and "animal counselling" mirrors the effects of disconnection not only in humans but also in animals that live close to humans.
Children and animals get hugely confused by humans that aren't authentic. They sense the "true nature" behind the scene - and struggle with the mixed messages they perceive. The teacher who thinks she has to reinforce a certain rule - but doesn't really believe in it herself... The parent who made a decision and thinks he has to "be consequent" and stick to it, despite of his doubts...
All our mind-sets, beliefs, concepts, habits, thoughts, opinions are suddenly tested and questioned - not by us, but by our "little helpers": our children, students, animal friends! This can be quite challenging - believe me, I know what I am talking about ;) My children, students and animal friends often had a hard time to get through to my Self, past my strong mind-sets!
Next time you encounter "disruptive behaviour", illness, or other challenges in your life, you might want to have a closer look and check if/how, deep down, there is conflict between one (or more) of your mind-sets and your Self. It might give you a pointer of how to become more "authentic" and "true to your Self".
Again: Watch your children, students and animal friends - they are honest, clear and immediate mirrors of their environment and we can learn from them.
The more authentic we become, the more in balance we are internally, the more in sync we are with our Selves, the clearer and less confusing our signals will be that we send out to the world, the more our actions will be aligned with our core being, the happier and healthier we will be and the more we will radiate balance out to the world, within/without.