Image: iStock
We all love to draw resemblances of children with parents. Mama or papa? Then as we trace the resemblance, it goes to the minutest detailing of features, with comparisons being drawn to grandparents, uncles and aunts. The same applies to children’s temperaments and personalities as well. Now that we are all aware of genes in popular culture, should we get into what science has to say about children’s personalities and how they are inherited?
Whether Genes Help Determine Personality
A study carried out in 2012 over 800 sets of twins indicates that genes play a relatively important role in molding personality factors such as success, self-restraint, and sociability. On the other hand, there is also a school of thought that there is no enough genetic evidence to support the belief. In yet another 2013 study of zebra finches, it was found that environment would cast a major influence on one’s personality than the genes. The question is whether, like in the zebra finches, environment has a significant influence on human personality development. Likewise, whether adopted children develop personalities of their biological parents or those of adoptive parents. So there is quite the environment vs. genes play on there. In a 2003 article published in the American Psychological Association, Beth Azar mentions that there might be a genetic link to a few types of traits, such as seeking novelty or avoiding harm, for instance.
How Environment Can Have An Influence On One’s Personality
Consider the scenario where your child loves to read books or likes to spend time with its pets. It might as well be that your child has picked the hobby from either or both the parents. However, if you do notice the positive aspects of your child, and should you encourage your child to cultivate the habit, it will have a profound impact on molding your child’s personality. It goes as far as encouraging your baby to babble as you prolong the chatter with him. Read story books to your baby and engage him.
On the other hand, if your child is displaying inhibiting traits such as being shy or scared, don’t ignore her. You should be supportive of her and help her overcome anxieties. Moreover, you must also give adequate warning and instructions so she can cope with different situations.
Such conditioning does explain that environment is sure to influence once personality.
Baby Personalities Influenced By Adoption Or Donor Insemination
If your child happens to be an adopted one, it would mean that he or she lacks your or your partner’s DNA. The environment that he or she is raised in shall play an important role in the building of your child’s personality. The same holds good if the child happens to have arrived through a donor insemination. He or she would mimic and respond to the surrounds, even emulate you while growing up.
It surely depends on what you want your child to inculcate. Babies are like clay that could be molded in the best way possible. Grooming them and imparting the right stuff is in your hands.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
