There are several factors that influence children as they grow. While some argue that parents play the most significant role, I believe that individuals outside the family, such as teachers and peers, often have a greater impact on a child’s development for several reasons.
One of these reasons is that children interact with a substantial amount of people outside their home, especially during school. With adults’ direction they change their thoughts and give them a broader worldview. They do not have enough experience about life, that’s why they tend to make numerous mistakes. Additionally, juveniles are still learning about the world, and they may not always make the best decision without proper guidance. Teachers are one of the most important individuals in development, and they not only deliver academic knowledge but also foster critical thinking and social behavior. For example, at university, my philosophy teacher encouraged us to question our beliefs and explore different viewpoints, which helped me develop a more open-minded approach.
Apart from the reason expressed above, another significant influence on children’s development is their peers. Young people often spend more time with friends, especially as they grow older. Because of this, they are heavily influenced by their peers’ opinions and behaviors. In many cases, children feel that their friends understand them better than adults do, which makes peer influence even stronger. Through social interaction, they exchange ideas, learn from each other’s experience, and develop their own views of the world. For example, adolescents may reject advice from parents in favor of their peers, believing that doing so proves their independence and maturity. This demonstrates how peer relationships play a key role in children’s identity and decision-making skills.
In summary, people who are not part of the family have a considerable amount of effect on children’s development.