Atlantic Magazine: Nurturing "Orchid" Children

"A provocative new theory of genetics asserts that the very genes that give us the most trouble as a species, causing behaviors that are self-destructive and antisocial, also underlie humankind’s phenomenal adaptability and evolutionary success. With a bad environment and poor parenting, orchid children can end up depressed, drug-addicted, or in jail—but with the right environment and good parenting, they can grow up to be society’s most creative, successful, and happy people." (The Science of Success)

Comments

[Bruce Steven Dolin, Psy.D.]

This article is really encouraging for parents of kids with differences, as well as for parents with tendencies toward depression, ADHD, etc. The notion that the plasticity that could spell trouble can also spell heightened success has long been around in folk wisdom, but if hard science can make the case for it perhaps we'll see more societal support for these heretofore outliers who have been pathologized, barely tolerated and, at times, over-medicated rather than supported and mentored.

Namaste, Bruce
www.privilegeofparenting.com

[Tom]

Reading that article made my day. I am an orchid who is pulling ahead later in life and the articles conclusions mirror my own conclusions about why that is so.

It is just stunning to finally know why nature has done this and to realize what I have been through and what I have accomplished in terms of natural selection.

I would not have it any other way!

[Justin]

I'm not done with the article yet, but as someone who as been through a slew of medications as a child, this piece is resonating with me. I'm glad now that I stuck to my guns during my schooling years and never bought into any of the crap "they" tried to sell me. Thankfully it makes less sense now than it did then.