The debate over nature versus nurture will never likely be
settled, but evidence suggests that simply believing that certain traits are
genetic--i.e. "nature"--can be detrimental to kids. Here's why: 
If parents and teachers believe that a child's aptitude or
personality is shaped by his genetics, they are more likely to treat, and in
some cases, mistreat, that child a certain way. So, for example, if you sucked
at math and therefore assume your child will also suck at math (due to
possessing the famous "suck-at-math-gene"), s/he won't be given the
proper tools necessary to succeed.
The same holds true for those suffering from mental illness:
If you believe your depression is hereditary, you may not do anything about it
because it's "in your genes."
According to the article in The Guardian, simply holding the
belief that we are preprogrammed to be a certain way because of our genes,
regardless of whether or not it is true, can hurt our kids by not allowing them
to live up to their potential.
Want to save your kids from a lifetime of low expectations
and failure? Even if you believe that nature trumps nurture every time, pretend
you don't.
Photo: Senia.com
