Shaping influences are those events and circumstances in a child’s developmental years that prove to be catalysts for making him the person he is. But the shaping is not automatic; the ways he responds to these events and circumstances determine the effect they have upon him.
It is true that there are events and circumstances that shape a child's development. The latest research in brain and child development show that who we are is approximately 60% of our experiences. It is only partly correct that the ways a child responds to the experiences determine the effect they have on him.
The author ignores is brain development. Perhaps this is because it is in a field not addressed by the Bible and a field composed by secular scientists, physicians, and researchers? What the author does not do is point out that key, memorable events on which we focus shape us. Those events provoke emotions and emotions play a very critical part in our thought process, memories, and relationships.
Helping children to think correctly about those events and circumstances is the implication of how parents teach Gods thoughts about life found in Deuteronomy 6.
