#615
By Vita
Assignment for July 7, 2010

Can you think of another explanation for the differences between children in the same family?
Explain.

As mentioned by writer Lucille K. Forer, birth order can affect a child's personality. However, it
is not the only factor. There are some other aspects which can determine some of the child's characteristics. Firstly, I believe gender is one of them. Both girls and boys have to take care of their bodies in a different way. While girls have to take precautions in certain periods, boys do not share that experience, thus behaving more recklessly at times. Moreover, females have to prepare themselves for becoming mothers while males do not need to be prepared about that.

Secondly, parents play a major role in shaping a child's personality. Some children prefer to have discussions with their parents about their problems while others like to keep their concerns for themselves. Based on the parent's behavior on these two types of children their personality differs.

Thirdly, one of the most important factors is the child's relatives and friends. By talking, playing and arguing with people other than his parents the child develops communication skills which are an integral part of his personality. And last but not least, teachers are responsible for developing learning skills and traits. These include reading and writing skills as well as thinking and apprehending.

To sum up, while birth order does affect a child's personality, it is not the determinant factor. Others such as the ones mentioned above also contribute.