Thoughts on Record: Podcast of the Ottawa Institute of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

While many parenting books and websites emphasize the critical role of the parent in influencing a child's behaviour, it is frequently overlooked that all children possess a genetically driven temperament which exerts a powerful influence not only on the child's behaviour, but on the behaviour of their parents.  Dr. Danielle Dick, joins us for a discussion of some of the core ideas contained in her new book, The Child Code: Understanding Your Child's Unique Nature for Happier, More Effective Parenting.  In this discussion we consider: 

• Dr. Dick's motivation for writing The Child Code despite the current wealth of parenting books available

• a definitive description of the influence of genes on our behaviour, along with a consideration of the actual ability of parents to influence life outcomes

• how the heritability of the traits actually goes up over the lifespan owing to self-selection into environments that resonate with our traits.

• introduction to the "Big Three" dimensions of temperament: Extraversion, Emotionality & Effortful Control

• examples of how to leverage understanding of a child's temperament to optimize the parenting approach to promote "goodness of fit"

• the surprising consequences of parent and child being "over matched" on certain dimensions of temperament

• tips for parents to manage guilt & distress arising from challenges around fit with one's child, despite an abundance of unconditional love

• the difference between temperament and disorder and when parents should consult a mental health professional

• Dr. Dick's suggestions for managing the complex task of parenting across independent households in the wake of a separation or divorce - especially where different parenting styles are present

• strategies for helping parents to understand the impact of their own temperament on perceptions of their child