Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parenting Child Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rutgers researcher: childrens genetic dispositions shape behavior; parents can "personalize" strategies
Summary
Dr. Danielle (surname redacted), director of an addiction research center at Rutgers University, told a Verona Wellness Speaker Series audience that "all of our kids are born with a disposition," and said parents can use research about genetic influences to tailor their approach to each child.
Dr. Danielle (surname redacted), director of an addiction research center at Rutgers University, told a Verona Wellness Speaker Series audience that "all of our kids are born with a disposition," and said parents can use research about genetic influences to tailor their approach to each child.
She said decades of research show roughly half of the differences in childrens behavior is attributable to genotype, with the rest due to environment such as friends and schools. "DNA is not destiny," she added, arguing that understanding a childs natural tendencies allows parents to accentuate strengths and teach the specific skills a child needs.
Why it matters: The presentation reframes common parenting advice by foregrounding biological differences and offering practical steps to reduce family friction. Dr. Danielle said the typical response— cycle of more intense parenting when children strugglecan create pressure on parents and children and foster judgment rather than support.
The talk outlined a research-informed framework presented in her book, The Child Code, that asks parents to consider three broad dimensions: extroversion (sociability), emotionality (propensity toward fear or distress), and effortful control (self-regulation). Dr. Danielle said the book includes quizzes parents can use to gauge where a child falls on each dimension and concrete strategies for each profile.
She gave several practical examples: parents of introverted children can begin social exposure with smaller, familiar gatherings rather than forcing large events; parents of highly emotional children may find punitive consequences counterproductive and should instead emphasize regulation strategies; and risk-taking children can be channeled into structured outlets while learning self-control.
During a brief audience exchange, the event host observed that "some of our greatest teachers are the ones that meet students where they're at," a point Dr. Danielle affirmed and extended to parenting. She also recommended parents use the books self-assessment tools and consult teachers, coaches and professionals when concerned about possible disorders such as ADHD or anxiety.
The session closed with a community announcement: the host said Veronas Mental Wellness Festival is scheduled for May 14 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., with "over 30 vendors," food trucks, live music and activities; the host also said 30 free copies of The Child Code are available by email reservation.
Dr. Danielle provided website resources (danielledic.com and thechildcode.com) and encouraged parents who worry about their child to seek help, saying it is "never the wrong thing to reach out."
