In the January/February 2019 issue of Psychology Today, one article elaborates on research findings that reveal why many children thrive in any environment while others flourish only in the most favourable conditions. Distinguishing between “dandelion” and “orchid” children, W. Thomas Boyce, M.D., explains that, on one hand, a majority of children are, from a genetic perspective, mostly untroubled by the traumas and stressors they encounter. These children are considered as dandelion children, as much like dandelions, they thrive in many environments. On the other hand, a minority of children (roughly twenty percent) are very susceptible to both positive and negative environments, with highly sensitive responses to stress and adverse events. These children are considered as orchid children, as much like orchids, they require very specific, supportive environments to thrive.
According to the research findings, a newborn’s Apgar score – the result of a formal assessment of five areas of postnatal functioning (Appearance, Pulse rate, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) in the first few minutes after birth – is predictive of developmental vulnerability. The research suggests that lower Apgar scores indicate less adaptive, less robust fight-or-flight responses, and are telling about a baby’s longer-term tendency toward poorly adaptive responses to stress.
As work by other researchers has shown, the genetic characteristics of children produce their predispositions, but do not automatically determine their outcomes. Childhood experiences of psychological trauma and adversity has been demonstrated by developmental science to be one of the roots of differences in development and health. As Dr. Boyce explains, such experiences can hinder healthy brain development, produce barriers to effective learning, and harm physical and mental health. But all children are not equally prone to these impacts. The research suggests that a child’s outcome is due to differences in children’s genetic vulnerability to the environments in which they live and grow, both the positive and the negative. Therefore, the key is to understand that genetic difference and environmental variation work together to change biological processes. It is the interaction of genes and environments that determine a child’s behaviour, health, development and overall outcome.
THE EFFECTS OF A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT ON CHILDREN
Providing children with positive and supportive environments includes being responsive parents by teaching our children language to express their needs and desires, teaching self-regulation through meditation, and relying on the “STOP” method to develop problem solving skills. The “STOP” method teaches children to (S)top when they realize they’re about to get overcome by their reaction, to (T)ake a breath, (O)bserve what is going on in their body and not just their mind, and then finally (P)roceed once they’ve completed the above steps. Confidence in children is also developed through engagement in activities which employ skills such as creativity, athleticism and role-playing. Children struggling with managing negative thoughts and behaviours would also benefit from counselling to develop techniques and skills to challenge negative thoughts and behaviours.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy For Children
If you have concerns about your child’s behavior, health, or development, we offers a solution that can make a difference. Consider the benefits of online behavioural therapy for kids, such as counselling or play therapy. These therapeutic approaches provide essential environmental support to create safe, protective, and resilient conditions for your child to flourish in any context. Our team of experienced professionals understands the unique needs of children and offers online counselling services tailored to their specific requirements. Give your child the opportunity to thrive with the help of Counselling2Wellness and our effective online behavioural therapy for kids.