Nature vs nurture-these are not new terms, especially regarding their influence on human development. Child development has also been subject to debate with various myths and misunderstandings, such that children from rich families automatically have a better and happier life than those from poor families. Let us ask ourselves, are we a product of nature or upbringing?

Much has been said about child’s generic and physical development. The debate about nature vs nurture has also proved pertinent to the society. Some people may link your math prowess to your parents highly-specialized career. Nothing can be further from the truth. Most of us know cases where a child from a seemingly intelligent family does not perform well. In this respect, could this be because of nurture?

Notably, nurture relates to the environment. In the 2011 article, Socioeconomic Status and Child Development, published in the Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, the authors state that one dominant myth concerning nurture in child’s general and physical development is that children from rich families have a better life than those who are from poor backgrounds. According to the authors, a study revealed that children from poor backgrounds tend to have a happier life as a result of doing more physical activities. In the end, they have more fun.

On another hand, myths such as those I have mentioned have done their part in confusing the masses. This is seen in the numerous misunderstandings about child development that exist in the society. According to Mitchell and Savil-Smith’s article, the use of computer and video games for learning (2004) many families tend to nurture their children around video games and movies under the perception that they will be more tech savvy. As Bryson and Siegel note in their book The Whole-Brain Child, children should have the time spent in front of television screens regulated to ensure effective growth. Admittedly, there are misunderstandings about the influence of nature on their development. For instance, in cases of racism, many black children tend to be ruled out as violent just because of their nature due to their race. This is very far from the truth since every individual has a unique personality and character regardless of their race.

Despite all these myths and misunderstandings regarding nature and nurture in child’s general as well as physical development, it is vital that we seek the truth. This is the purpose of education: to develop a critical eye in the face of myths and misunderstandings in the society. In this regard, none of the myths or misunderstandings can be overlooked as being of no essence to child development although researchers have continued to support that the environment plays a bigger role. For instance, a lot of evidence exists on the relationship between anger management problems among children and poor parenting. On another hand, Bryson and Siegel recognise that apart from physical factors, most behavioural issues that come as a result of nature can be overridden through nurture or rather, the environment. Take an example of a child with anger management issues who, after being brought up in a loving and engaging environment, develops to express love and care towards other people.

In conclusion, it is clear that both nature and nurture play a vital role in child development; although, to a large extent, the environment can be created to ensure that one leads a healthy life. Admittedly, due to the many myths and misunderstandings, such as those I have mentioned, we should strive to know the truth and avoid being judgmental about misgivings in child development without enough proof.