Environment vs. temperament
All children need an environment that is hospitable and nurturing in order to develop well.  However, children are not born “blank slates,” on which the environment alone creates an imprint.  Children are born with a temperament, that is, whether they are calm or irritable, whether they are easily settled or fussy.  There are also genetic factors that influence such things as a child’s capacity to learn the social use of language, to play, to regulate his/her emotions and to interact with adults and peers.

What is crucial is the interaction between the child’s inborn strengths and weaknesses and how the parents or caregivers respond to their infant’s needs.  If baby is temperamentally “difficult” then the mother (or guardian) can learn how to interact in ways that will limit the baby’s distress and promote strong affectional bonds between them.  If the child is at risk for developing language problems, then those responsible for his or her care can modify the way they interact with the baby, providing an enriched language environment that is also accepting and not harshly critical.

Healthy child development is not, however, only the responsibility of individual parents. If we want all children to grow up able to reach their full potential, then all those who have contact with them must be committed to providing more than the bare minimum to achieve that goal.  Teachers, neighbours, community members, and government all have to take action to meet the needs of children and help supply the healthy environment known through scientific and social research to produce the best outcomes in our children.

  

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