The Orchid and the Dandelion

November 1, 2018
A renowned pediatrician uncovers what makes children thrive.It's an age-old question: Are we the product of nature or nurture? For Boyce (Pediatrics and Psychology/Univ. of California, San Francisco), the co-director of the Child and Brain Development Program at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, the topic of human frailty has been more than just his field of study; it's his calling. As he writes, his interest in the subject developed after watching his brilliant sister Mary succumb to psychotic symptoms marked by "hearing hostile, venomous voices and periods of catatonia." How could two siblings who grew up in the same comfortable, safe environment with loving parents end up with such different life outcomes? One possibility: "a single, seemingly unerring environment is in fact not the same for each individual child." Thus the concept of orchid and dandelion children was born. Orchids are those who, due to special susceptibility, may struggle through life, while dandelions seemingly thrive no matter their circumstances. Boyce argues that being an orchid is not all bad; given the right circumstances, orchids' special sensitivities and strengths can result in remarkable gifts. "The very orchid children most likely to suffer and wilt when subjected to bad environments," writes the author, "are the same children most likely to flourish, succeed, and prosper in settings of nurturance and care." Citing exhaustive research studies conducted throughout his career, Boyce paints a compelling picture of how early childhood development and genetic makeup impact human life. Naturally, the book is full of medicalese, but for every set of data, the author backs up his work with conversational anecdotes, and his natural storytelling ability helps guide the book through the complex scientific sections. Though the book occasionally feels like a piece for a medical journal, the author's findings are absorbing enough to keep readers engaged.Boyce effectively reveals that whether orchid or dandelion, there is no such thing as "unbreakable children."

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November 15, 2018
As opposed to "dandelions," children who are hardy and resilient, Boyce posits that "orchids," children who are acutely sensitive to their environment, may face serious health and emotional issues due to their sensitivity. But Boyce shares his and other researchers' findings that unearth an encouraging flip side: that sensitive children may also have the capacity to be more resilient when in an environment specifically geared for them to prosper. Boyce is a scientist, pediatrician, and professor, and his book comes recommended by a slew of well-known researchers with backgrounds in pediatrics, psychology, and human relationships. That said, the content may feel hefty for parents who are struggling to navigate challenges with their children. However, the scientific studies Boyce cites are fascinating, and his explanations of their results are eye-opening. He maintains a warm and personal approach throughout, often reflecting on his experiences growing up with a sibling who struggled and parenting his own children. Well suited for teachers, medical professionals, social workers, parents, and caregivers, this is recommended for academic and public library audiences alike.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)