The nature vs. nurture argument has long captured the minds of those who care about child development. Which matters more: genetics, or a child’s early environment?

According to Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, nurture is key. Early experiences alter gene expression and shape development. In an interactive feature on their website, they tell the story of human development and how early experiences leave chemical “signatures” on the genes, which determines whether and how the genes are expressed.

In other words, even with good genes, early experiences can alter the expression of those genes – particularly the ones that affect brain development – in damaging ways. Consequently, “experiences that change the epigenome early in life, when the specialized cells of organs such as the brain, heart, or kidneys are first developing, can have a powerful impact on physical and mental health for a lifetime.”

The question is not nature or nurture. It is how can we support early nurture?