What kind of person will your child turn out to be? Like you? Like your partner? Or a totally unique and new character?
The famous quote “Give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man” implies that early childhood defines the person your toddler will become. Many parents say that their child’s personality was evident from day one: he wiggled in the uterus and is now just as active as a toddler, or that he had a sassy smile as a baby and continues to have a sassy sense of humor.
Is your child born with his personality set in stone, or does it have more to do with the way you raise him? If you think your child might inherit your grumpiness, or stubborn nature, can you, or indeed should you, do anything to influence how he “turns out”?
The age-old debate about nature vs nuture continues. Is your baby born with his personality or can you influence how he turns out ?
There has been a lot of research about whether a child’s character is predetermined by an inherited set of genes, or if environment and experience have more influence.
The World Health Organization cites research that says the care and stimulation a child receives in the first two years affects his brain development.
There is a growing consensus that no single factor is solely responsible for how we develop, but rather that both genes and upbringing shape personality. It’s easier said than done, but resist the urge to label your child as “shy,” “bubbly,” or any other personality cliché since very few children are always one way or the other.
The calmest child can have a lively day, and a gregarious child will also enjoy some quiet time. What might be considered an outgoing child in one family, may be considered reserved in another.
Feeling that your child is judged or labeled as a particular personality trait can ruffle the feathers of any parent.
If someone comments that your child is shy or a chatterbox, for example, rephrase this in a more positive way, with: “he is a real observer,” or “yes, he is very friendly.” Many parents express a desire for their children to be more confident than they were themselves as a child, or more studious, but can you influence how your child is?
Some experts believe that certain temperaments make it easier to encourage your child along a particular path. If your toddler is laid back and receptive to new situations, you may have an easy time nudging him in a certain direction, for example, to join a singing group or to try a new sport.
