When a child is born, they carry a unique nature within them. Some babies are calm, while others are more active. Some react quickly to new situations, while others take time. This inborn temperament and genetic makeup is what we call nature. It gives the child a foundation, like raw clay ready to be shaped.
But clay alone does not become a sculpture. It needs the sculptor’s hand. Similarly, nurture, which includes the environment, care, and experiences provided by parents, teachers, and society, shapes how the child’s natural traits develop. As a child psychologist, I often tell parents that nature decides the “starting point,” but nurture decides the “direction.”
Psychology research supports this idea. The New York Longitudinal Study found that children are born with different temperaments: easy, difficult, or slow to warm. Indian studies add more context. A study from Ludhiana discovered that children who grew up with siblings developed better self-awareness and social-emotional skills compared to only children, who were more impulsive and active. This shows how nurture, through family structure and interactions, influences the expression of natural temperament.
Another Indian study from Vellore followed children from birth to age 9. It showed that those who grew up in stimulating homes, where parents played with them, told stories, and encouraged learning, developed greater resilience later in life. Even when families faced financial problems, nurturing experiences at home made a strong positive difference. This suggests that nurture can protect and support children even when nature or external circumstances are challenging.
Attachment studies also provide evidence. Children without consistent caregivers, like those in institutions, often developed insecure attachment patterns. They struggled to express their emotions during play tasks. As a psychologist, I find this finding significant because it shows that without stable and caring relationships, a child’s natural potential can remain underdeveloped.
Recent Indian studies even demonstrate how nurture can influence nature at the biological level. For instance, researchers found that neutral or awkward mother-infant interactions were linked to changes in stress-related genes in children. This means nurture does not just affect behavior; it can actually modify gene expression.
From a child psychologist’s perspective, the lesson is clear: we cannot change the nature a child is born with, but we can nurture it in the right direction. If a child is shy, patience and encouragement can help them open up. If a child is naturally active, guidance can help them channel that energy productively. Every smile, every story, and every supportive word become tools in shaping the clay of nature into a confident human being.
When we look closely, nature and nurture are not opponents. They are partners in a dance, working together to shape who the child becomes. When we provide children with love, guidance, and opportunities, we support their personal growth and prepare them to be caring and capable members of society.
References:
Thomas, A., & Chess, S. (1977). Temperament and Development.
Rani, R., & Kaur, G. (2019). Temperament and social-emotional development among children with and without siblings.
Fernandes, M., et al. (2022). Early childhood stimulating environment predicts later resilience: Vellore birth cohort.
Suresh Kumar, P.N., et al. (2012). Security of attachment in children and adolescents: Indian experience.
Sharma, A., et al. (2025). Attachment representations among institutionalized preschool children in India.
Indian Express (2023). Neutral maternal behaviour linked with epigenetic changes in children.