Brenna Dwyer Ingram 30 October 2012 English 1103

Importance of Parenting on the Behaviors of Children Although there is much research out there to support the theory that behaviors in children are based mainly off of genetics alone, additional research can prove that environments can play a large role in the subject as well. It is said that most often a childs behavior is reflected off of his or her earliest influences which is mainly the parents. It is true that a child born with a genetic mental disorder will have behaviors that reflect genetics, but with a proper up bringing and a nurturing environment the child can over come genetic hardships to a certain degree. There are many mental disorders that are most predominant among children who still live at home. These disorders include but are not limited to: depression, anorexia and bulimia. These are disorders that do not only make the life of the child more difficult to live, but can also put them in danger. Statistics show that these disorders are most commonly found in children who live in an abusive environment. This can dramatically alter the behaviors of said child in a very negative way. A child who is a victim of abuse may stop eating, act out in school, have a criminal record and act in abnormal ways. Statistics show that 36.7% of all women in prison and 14.4% of all men were subject to abuse as children (Immediate). Also, Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to abuse alcohol and 3.8 times more likely to become addicted to drugs. Behaviors such as these can be avoided if brought up in the right kind of house hold.

A helpful parenting pamphlet on Autism states that not only can a good environment prevent a child from having negative behaviors, but it can also improve the effects of a genetic disorder. Autism is a common genetic mental disorder among children. True that it is genetic, but it is able to be over come to a certain degree with a proper environment. Children with autism have a hard time retaining information that they learn in one sitting, but with consistency they are able to be helped enough to remember. Consistency in an autistic childs environment can help them keep hold of the information that they are given. Also, when a parent praises their autistic child for showing good behaviors, that child is more likely to continue on with that behavior. Autistic children brought up in an environment and care givers that are sensitive to their needs are more likely to somewhat overcome their disorder as opposed to children who are not. A good environment can not cure the child of a genetic disorder, but it definitely reflects his or her behaviors to a noticeable difference. (Helping) Behaviorism is observable behaviors based on the environment we are in. Children who have the genetics for aggressive behavior are more likely to commit crimes and have criminal records if their behaviors are not tamed by their parents. Parents play a huge role in the behaviors of their children, the lack of parenting can result in negative consequences on the childs life. If a child does not have strong parental figures to look up too, commonly they will turn to things such as television to guide them. Many television shows in modern times show a lot of violence and do not teach that it is wrong. If a parent does not monitor what a child watches on television then that child may be watching things that are teaching them the wrong values. Also, if a child starts to imitate violence seen on television and a parent is not there to tell them that it is wrong, this behavior will continue.

Certain foods can also affect the way a child behaves. It is believed that a diet heavy on food with dyes and preservatives can affect a child's behavior in negative ways. As opposed to a nutrient diet that promotes positive ones. Scientist David Schardt says that a proper diet can sometimes helps kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Avoiding foods that contain certain additives like preservatives and caffeine can lead to an improved mood and a calmness altogether. All children with ADHD respond to diets differently, but research has shown that most children experience behavior improvements once their diets are altered. Diets do not only affect children with already genetic disorders, but also children who do not in general. Caffeine and added sugars have shown to cause tantrums, irritability and hyperactivity in children. Caffeine in more specifically causes short bursts of energy followed by lethargic behavior when a child's blood sugar level drops back down. Foods containing chemical additives and stimulants can cause tiredness and aggression. Parents who limit fast food, fried food, white bread, fatty meats, chocolate, soda and commercially baked goods in your childs diet are more likely to have better behaved children. Poor food choices can slow down the brain's ability to transmit messages, which can promote negative actions. (Dellaserra)

Beller, Lindsay. "The Making and Unmaking of a Criminal | Insight Magazine." Insight Magazine. Insight, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2012.

Dellaserra, Alyssa. "How Diet Affects Children's Behavior." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., 14 June 2011. Web. 30 Oct. 2012.

Harplen, Ariel. "Children's Environment and Behavior: Family Structure." Children's Environment and Behavior: Family Structure. Urban Institute, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2012

"Helping Children with Autism." Helping Children with Autism: Treatment Strategies and Parenting Tips. Help Guide, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2012.

"Immediate Effects of Child Abuse." Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse. Child Help, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2012.

Menon. "PRESS RELEASE." Genes May Contribute to a Child's Bad Behavior, but Only When Parents Are Distant. Aps, 5 Feb. 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2012.