Why Children Are Like Their Parents

What makes us who we are? Child psychologist and writer Oliver James shares his new findings on the nature-nurture debate.

Genetics is often cited as the key factor in explaining what makes us who we are. Recently, however, there is increasing weight given to the importance of our childhood in the formation of our ‘persona’. It is our upbringing, and less so our genes, that is critical to achieving wellbeing and fulfilment across our lifespan. The implications of this are profound. As adults we retain the ability to change, but what we learn as children is crucial and, therefore, education is key to shaping who we are individually - and our society as a whole.