We often forget how important genes are to the development of children. Sometimes, we can be harder on our children because we forget how much of their behavior is affected by their genetic background. Learning about these concepts can help us become better parents and caregivers.
In addition to affecting their physical genotypical differences like eye and hair color, DNA shapes some parts of the personality, which can affect a child’s behavior. If you notice a pattern of behavior exhibited by your child across different settings and circumstances, this could be due to a genetic difference. Genetic differences can drastically affect how children react to their environment. Roller coasters are a good example of this – some children may be extremely nervous while others are the happiest they have ever been.
Adults respond differently to children depending on their personality. For instance, a child who acts out more often may get a more stern response from parents, or be more likely to receive punishment. Children may have a specific temperament partly due to their genetic background, and then caregivers respond differently based on these characteristics, creating a cycle.
Children find different environments appealing depending on their personality, what they are naturally good at, and what they take interest in. As they get older and are able to pick their environments based on their temperament, this affects their experiences, creating another cycle. For instance, introverted children may be more likely to hang out in smaller groups doing quieter activities. A child’s genetic background affects their development and experiences by contributing to their decisions regarding which environments they select.
Additionally, parents can help their children by working with their genetic predispositions and making sure that their environments agree with their temperaments. For example, an introverted child may have a hard time in an unfamiliar setting with many new people – it is vital to slowly introduce a child to this environment so that they feel more comfortable. Children may also need different strategies and disciplinary tactics, depending on these personality differences that are influenced by their genetic makeup.
Ethel Dvoskin
Research Assistant, UConn KIDS