Childhood behaviours can provide insights into the future development of individuals, but they do not dictate adult behaviour entirely. Three points to note;
Firstly, adults tend to exhibit characteristics in line with their childhood selves. Whether they were shy or outgoing, cooperative or stubborn, these tendencies often persist into adulthood. As parents, we can only do so much to influence these traits.
Secondly, while early behaviours do not perfectly predict future success or struggles, they do offer valuable insights. Observing a child’s behaviour can provide us with reasonable guesses about their future outcomes.
Lastly, while amassing wealth does not guarantee the happiness of grown children, having a reasonable amount of financial stability can greatly contribute to their well-being.
Science supports these observations. Research shows that behavioural characteristics exhibited from infancy through high school tend to persist over time to varying degrees. Moreover, certain aspects of early behaviour, even as early as kindergarten, can predict earnings potential and overall life satisfaction in the long run.
In a US study conducted in 1984, teachers rated the behaviour of six-year-old boys from low-income neighbourhoods in Montreal, US. The study found that those who displayed strong prosocial behaviour, such as sharing and cooperating, tended to earn more money as adults. Conversely, those who struggled with maintaining attention earned less. It is worth noting that childhood hyperactivity, aggression, and opposition did not correlate with future earnings.
This study took into account factors such as IQ, parental education, and job status, indicating that these were not the sole reasons for the differences in outcomes. However, the study did not establish cause-and-effect relationships and may not hold true for children from wealthier families. Additionally, it did not explore outcomes beyond financial gains.
Prosociality is considered a desirable trait by psychologists, while inattention is associated with adverse outcomes. Other research has also revealed nuanced connections between childhood behaviours and adult outcomes. For example, socially oriented behaviours exhibited by eight-year-olds can predict future health behaviours. Well-controlled behaviour tends to lead to success in school and increased physical activity later in life. On the other hand, highly social children may be more prone to smoking (for men) or heavy drinking (for women) in adulthood.
Early behaviours can even have an impact on personal relationships. Infants and toddlers who display behavioural inhibition at 14 months of age tend to have reserved personalities, fewer romantic relationships, and encounter difficulties in relationships with friends and family by age 26. Similarly, elementary school children who show signs of anxiety or inattention are less likely to have romantic partners in adulthood, while those who engage in fighting, bullying, and rule-breaking are more likely to experience separation from their partners.
As children progress through school, their grades and attitudes towards education can also predict their future earning potential. A study led by Michael French at the University of Miami found that every one-point increase in GPA among high school students translated to a 12% increase in income for men and a 14% increase for women a decade later.
Furthermore, a comprehensive study examining data from U.S. high school students in 1960 discovered that students who were responsible and demonstrated interest in school, as well as possessing strong reading and writing skills, tended to earn more money and hold more prestigious jobs both 11 and 50 years later.
While success and financial stability can contribute to happiness, there is a threshold beyond which further increases in income do not significantly enhance life satisfaction or overall well-being. Gallup surveys involving 1.7 million people from 164 countries revealed that the effects of money on happiness peak at a certain level. In the United States, this typically occurs around $95,000 for an individual (more for a family). However, individual responses vary widely, indicating that attaining a specific salary does not guarantee happiness.
Childhood behaviours provide valuable insights into adult outcomes but do not determine an individual’s entire future. As parents, we can support our children by providing them with love, encouragement, and opportunities to develop their strengths and manage their challenges. It is important to appreciate and accept who our children are rather than placing unrealistic demands on them to be someone they are not.
While early interventions may be beneficial for children exhibiting specific behavioural problems, it is crucial to strike a balance between encouraging growth and accepting their inherent traits. Understanding the complex relationship between childhood behaviours and adult outcomes can help guide parenting strategies and promote the well-being of our children.
