Is my influence as a mom really helping, or are genes set in stone? As moms, we often ask ourselves questions like this, but there's good news. You count!
Some people quote studies saying that our genes make us who we are. But that’s only part of the truth. Environment and our own free-will both play a big part in whom we choose to become. Our consciousness is more than just the genes in our DNA. In fact, we can choose to overcome our genetic tendencies. Dr. Stanton E. Samenow’s book, “Before It’s Too Late – Why some kids get into trouble and what parents can do about it,” reports many cases of mind-over-matter in juvenile delinquents and their siblings. Nature plays a part in our tendencies; nurture plays a large part in galvanizing them; but our choices of how we respond to events play an equal part in whether we solidify those tendencies or not. Of course, good nurturing can help guide our choices towards the positive. http://www.amazon.com/Before-Its-Late-Stanton-Samenow/dp/0812916468
Health Day News reports that “it's not nurture or nature that determine a predisposition toward delinquent behavior in adolescents, it's the combination of the two,” say researchers from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Genetics and social factors are tied to male delinquency: family, friends, and school all impact the expression of certain molecular variants.
The American Sociological Review points to three genetic polymorphisms that, when paired with social factors, can predict future serious and violent delinquency:
"While genetics appear to influence delinquency, social influences such as family, friends and school seem to impact the expression of certain genetic variants," said study author – Professor Guang Guo of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. "Positive social influences appear to reduce the delinquency-increasing effect of a genetic variant, whereas the effect of these genetic variants is amplified in the absence of social controls."
"Our research confirms that genetic effects are not deterministic," Guo added. "Gene expression may depend heavily on the environment."
This is why dyslexia is not genetic but induced. Even if a child has hearing-processing difficulties or genetic tendencies for dyslexia (and related disorders), his exposure to parenting and/or teaching methods is the most significant factor. The physical problems and tendencies can be surmounted. Triggers for dyslexia (et al), such as noise pollution, can be avoided. Early reading the right way erases dyslexic tendencies.
Yes, even gifted children can develop induced-dyslexia from noise pollution and sight-reading. Moms and dads can do something about it!
(And when you hear anecdotes about "exceptions to the rule," remember that they are exceptions, not the rule.)
For ideas of things to do in Kansas City to enhance learning, check the related articles linked to this one...
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