Nature and Nurture's Influence on a Child's Development

Environmental and Biological Factors Affecting a Child's Growth

Environmental and biological factors are the most important determinants of a child's growth, among many others. Housing, income, employment, and education are all environmental elements that influence a child's growth. Biological factors, on the other hand, include overall health, gender, mental health, and health practices.

Impact of Environmental Variables on Child Development

Environmental variables such as housing, green spaces, and play areas are important for a child's development. Income is crucial because it determines whether a child has enough clothing and other basic necessities. The educational levels of family members are also very relevant, as is whether or not the parents are involved in early childhood education (Klingberg & Betteridge, 2013). Gender as a biological factor is important as boys and girls learn differently and there is evidence of gender-based stereotyping. Above all other biological factors, general health such as whether the child was born on the right weight is very important. Mental health determines the child’s sleeping, playing, and eating patterns (Holmes, 2008). After the child is born healthy, maintaining a healthy practice such as full breastfeeding and introduction of consistent oral hygiene practices.

The Influence of Epigenesis on Child Development

John (2015) provides an in-depth analysis of these factors, underlining that nature is however inseparable from nurture. Epigenesis refers to the change in genetic expressions due to environmental factors. Epigenesis factors determine a parent's parental practices and its relationship to a child’s external behavior. Epigenesis is the way genes change based on environmental factors. This explains why identical twins grow up with some variations. Epigenesis is therefore a factor in a child’s development. It is also important to note that these factors may negatively or positively impact a child’s growth. Bidirectional effects between a parent and a child are also factors that influence a child’s development. It is therefore conclusive that both nature and nurture are crucial for a child’s development.

References

Holmes, M. (2008). Intersex: A Perilous Difference. Selinsgrove, PA: Susquehanna University Press.

John, S. (2015). Tabery, James. Beyond Versus: The Struggle to Understand the Interaction of Nature and Nurture. The Review of Metaphysics, 68(3), 12-9.

Klingberg, T., & Betteridge, N. (2013). The Learning Brain: Memory and Brain Development in Children. New York: Oxford University Press.