You Do Make a Difference But biology is not destiny. What…
““You Do Make a Difference But biology is not destiny. What we now know is that nature and nurture matter. How your child’s temperament is ultimately expressed depends on his age, experience, and training. David Reiss of George Washington University, states, “Whether and how strongly genes that underlie behaviors are turned on or expressed depends on the interaction and relationships a child has with the important people in his life.” You don’t get to choose your child’s temperament, nor does your child, but you do make a big difference. It is you who helps your child understand his temperament, emphasizes his strengths, provides him with the guidance he needs to express himself appropriately, and gently nudges him forward. The researchers now believe that by doing so you provide the practice needed to create new pathways within the brain and as a result fresh ways of responding and functioning. So when you recognize your child’s intense reaction, move in to soothe and calm him, and ultimately teach him how to compose himself, you change not only his behavior but the physical reaction within his body as well.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Children’s temperament is shaped by genetics and environment; supportive parenting can alter brain pathways and improve behavior.
In simple terms: Parenting can change a child’s reactions.
Key Takeaway
Guide and soothe your child to reshape responses.
Themes
parenting
development
neuroplasticity
temperament
growth
Mood
empathetic
hopeful
Type
advice
psychological
When to use this quote
- parent‑child conflict
- school behavior
- stress management
- positive reinforcement
Key Concepts
gene‑environment interaction
neuroplasticity
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you recognize when a child’s reaction is stress‑driven?
- What strategies best support temperamental challenges?
A Different Perspective
Genetic predispositions still limit change; not all interventions succeed.