Nature v. Nurture?

[Scummymummy]

OK, I know it's a real old chestnut of a subject, but who out there thinks that their kids' fabness/monsterousness is due wholly or mostly to upbringing and who thinks it's down to their genes? I suspect mumsnetters will be in the "nurture" camp given all the good advice I read on these pages. But how do we explain wildly different siblings who are treated broadly the same? Is it an interplay of genes and environment or something like that?

[Jj]

With my son, his fabness comes from nurture and the monstrousness comes from nature.

Sorry, had to say it. Truth is, I don't know.

[Scummymummy]

Funny you should say that Jj- I had reached the same conclusion vis a vis my kids!

[Robinw]

message withdrawn

[Bugsy]

Naturally all my son's great characteristics come from me! In reality I think that most scientists are now saying that it is a combination of the two and it is quite impossible to completely separate out nature and nurture. I read a fantastic book, Genome (v sorry I can't remember the author) and it is a map of our genes and what they are responsible for. It discusses whether there are tendencies within our genetic make-up towards thrill-seeking, shyness, addiction, gayness, etc and it would seem that there are. However, the author also says that our environment has a huge amount to do with whether or not these characteristics will become dominant and controlling.
As an adopted child (well adult now) I find this fascinating as my brother and sister are naturally born to my parents. In my own situation I have adopted nearly all of the material aspirations and standards of my family but find that my mental and emotional situation is very different indeed.