Your Kid Is Probably Not an ‘Orchid’ or a ‘Dandelion’—But Could Be Both

Nature and nurture are all products of our genes and environment. Thanks to research on parenting and child development, people are more aware than ever before of how varied environmental circumstances can affect young people. Scientists, policy makers, and ordinary citizens tend to assume that findings apply to all children equally when discussing developmental research.

The truth is that developmental science is mostly focused on average effects, which can mask as much as they illuminate. Not all children, adolescents or adults are susceptible to the effects of experience. Some children are influenced by their environment more than others. The former group benefits from interventions and suffers from adverse experiences. The latter children will not be affected by these exposures. I suggested this distinction a long time ago and it has stimulated research and discovery. The idea gained traction with a broad audience thanks in part to the popularized terminology of orchid children anddandelion children. The existence of tulips who are moderately influenced by their experiences has been suggested by some researchers.