Parenting and the Impact of Nurture

Parents spend a significant amount of time and effort raising their children, believing that it is necessary to push them and provide various activities to ensure their future success. However, research based on twin and adoption studies shows that parents have surprisingly little effect on the long-term outcomes and traits of their children. For instance, studies on health indicate that parents have no influence on how long their children live or other health-related factors. Similarly, research on intelligence reveals that parental efforts to boost their children's IQ through activities and study have minimal long-term impact on intelligence. Additionally, studies on educational success demonstrate that parents have a small effect on the number of years of education their children complete. Overall, these findings challenge the idea that intense and often burdensome parenting practices yield substantial benefits, suggesting that parents can focus more on enjoying their time with their children and building a positive relationship rather than pushing for specific outcomes or assuming complete control over their children's future.