Lessons of Life

  Chapter 1.12 : Understanding Genetic and Environmental Influence The Power of Heredity and Environment Every child begins life with a unique blueprint of traits inherited from their parents, such as physical features, temperament, and even tendencies toward particular strengths. However, genes are only part of the story. How parents shape their environment, manage their health, and nurture emotional well-being can influence these genetic expressions. The relationship between nature (genetics) and nurture (environment) is a powerful dynamic that parents can leverage to support their child’s growth. Epigenetics: How Environment Affects Genes Epigenetics is the science of how life experiences and environments can activate or “silence” certain genes. While genes carry instructions for many traits, the mother’s physical and emotional environment can enhance or inhibit gene expression. For instance, a healthy diet and a calm emotional state are known to encourage healthy gene activatio...