Orchid genes

Nature vs. Nurture. A phrase we all know the meaning of, and probably have an opinion on, yet few of us understand the science those three words represent. Since Darwin created this dichotomy, scientists of varying disciplines have combined their efforts in an attempt to elucidate the Nature vs. Nurture conundrum. Some would argue we have only achieved the Socratic realization of our ignorance. However, research published within the last ten years has elicited a new perspective and reframed the question from Nature vs. Nurture to Nature and Nurture.

How video gaming can be detrimental to your child’s development

Perhaps the clearest trend we as teachers have seen in our latest generation of kids is the degree to which video games have inundated our pupil’s lives. Anecdotally, there is definitely concern from the parent and teacher community regarding the large amount of time students spend playing video games and the effect that this has on their time management skills and social development.

Reading is an intricate, transformative process. Most children learn to read fluently without much difficulty, but dyslexic children struggle in spite of strong motivation, conventional instruction and average to superior intelligence.

Why parents don’t matter as much as we thought

Can you identify your child’s peer group? Do you know who they go out with on Friday, have sleep overs with on Saturday and stay up messaging with late at night? And I mean know them. Not just their names but their personality, their interests and how they behave socially? If not, you should make it your business because the latest research and meta-research being done by cognitive psychologists and behavioral geneticists suggests that the two greatest influences on our adult personality and behavior are genetics and peer groups.

Why adolescents should be encouraged to approach drinking responsibly

Parenting in Shanghai is not easy. In addition to the regular challenges associated with parenting, raising a family in the city brings unique hurdles. One that is unfamiliar and unique to many parents is the ready availability of alcohol.

In 2006 China passed a law stating that the legal drinking age is 18, but it is rarely enforced. Compounding matters is the extent to which clubbing is engrained in the social life of the city, and the fact that Shanghai clubs rarely check for age.