Thomas Boyce
The Orchid Child and the Science of Kindness
Compassion and kindness are central to the healthy development of children and equally important in adults. These capacities are not simply innate in some and absent in others; they can be honed and developed, particularly in the early years.
The development of kindness and compassion in children is strongly influenced by the interaction between genes and the environments in which they spend their time. This interaction biologically changes the way in which every child functions and therefore their ability to be compassionate and kind.
Dr. Thomas Boyce highlights how sensitive children (orchid children) thrive in highly supportive environments whereas more resilient children seem to thrive in many circumstances. His research provides important information about how we can create highly supportive and nurturing environments for children so that we can all live in a more compassionate and kind society.