On pages 136-139, David Shenk explains the role of parenting in the development of academic and social success. He includes an example of Shinichi Suzuki, a Japanese violon instructor that emphasized the importance of “heavy parent involvement, steady practice, memorization, and lots of patience” (136). Exactly how important is parenting in the enivornmental factors part of the genius equation, and why do you think it has such a central role? Do you think that relying on “tough love” has any benefits in nurturing good work habits? If not what parenting techniques would be considered more effective in pulling out true talent in children? Cite real life examples and evidence.
(Lily Walker, lwalker220@gmail.com)
Shenk states that "yes, parents matter" (135). He uses 4 instances where parental influence can determine if their child can succeed or fail. He believes the best way for a parent to raise their child is to “believe, support, don’t smother, pace and persist, and embrace failure (136-142) The reason for why parents and children are so supportive is because of the genetic imprinting.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genomic_imprinting)This trait of an offspring has been found to be very dependent on the parents' own characteristics/personality. Going off of this Lamarck’s idea of evolution in the idea of epigenetics and how it relates to a heredity trait can be a factor in a parental influence and the importance of their guidance. Lamarck’s idea of epigenetics and the alterations of the genes relate back to how the parent lives and their lifestyle and where their offspring live, and what that environment demands in them can alter their genetic makeup and change the way a person grows. The most renowned example of “tough love” can be shown with Beethoven. The influence his father has created in Beethoven was extreme discipline. “If he hesitated his father beat him.” (116) Neighbors saw him crying he was deprived sleep so that he could practice. This extreme ‘tough love” environment that Beethoven’s father created made Beethoven a musical prodigy, but the drive to get better was instilled by fear. This is an example where “tough love” can make up good work habits. Bringing back the idea of stereotypes such as study hbits can also be raised by “tough love”. Stereotypically Asians are known to be “smart”. This is done because of the discipline the parents place on the child. This cite (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022103105000752) states that Fear was an insinuation on why Asians are so smart. By being afraid, a child will grow to train themselves and work harder in order to evade punishment. Though this can be affective to a certain measure, I believe parenting should be done with the 4 instances stated by Shenk. This is because these characters presented to the child will bring out the child’s own abilities. How a child develops can create character. So when “tough love” is used to raise a child, they won’t be developing themselves for their own self benefit, but because they have an emotional drive that pushes them. If a child were raised by being shown to pursue their own interest, it will be done because of pure curiousity and willpower of their own self-interest and not because of others. Some examples shown could be the "rage to master" mind. A popular example of this idea would be with, Yuna Kim, who is the first figure skater of South Korea to receive a gold medal in the Olympics. And many other tournaments such as the World Champions. Her family background was not the “tough love” training such as Beethoven. As a matter of fact her parents have never figure skated before. And unlike the many other Olympic trainees Yuna did not have her own figure skating rink. She had to go from place to place just so she can practice. Her parents couldn’t always support her, but (http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2010/02/117_61510.html) it turns out that Kim Yuna’s mother was very supportive of her daughter’s dream in figure skating. By continuously pressing the child to pursue their goals in a positive manner, as a growth mindset, Kim yuna developed her own “rage to master” mind and now continues to grow. This compassionate raising of the child is the best, because it doesn’t leave burdened scars or any psychological damages, as a matter of fact, it creates a more in depth and a more positive mindset in the child.
ReplyDelete(Christine Park go2christine@hotmail.com)