This chapter contains an integrative framework of the seven themes that have emerged throughout the book.Theme 1: Nature and nurture: all interactions, alwaysIf prenatal development proceeds normally, it seems as if it is simply the development of innate potential in which the environment is not important. However, if things go wrong, it is obvious that nature and nurture interact. Consider, for example, teratogens, harmful substances the child can get in contact to in the womb. The extent to which negative effects occur depends on genes and other environmental factors, such as timing. A certain nature also evokes a certain nurture. For example, babies that are cute, motivate people in the environment to play and interact with them. Timing is also important, normal development of certain skills is only possible when a child is exposed to relevant experiences during a specific period. If this does not happen, developmental retardation can arise in terms of perception, language, intelligence, emotions and social behavior. Many genetically influenced characteristics only emerge during later childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Think of the physical changes that occur during puberty, or the development of nearsightedness in later childhood or early adolescence. Schizophrenia also often manifests itself later. In all these characteristics, an interaction between nature and nurture is also important.All in all, it seems like everything affects each other. Genes, traits and behavioral tendencies interact with the nurture that children receive in different ways. In this way self-image, intellect, actions and other qualities arise.Theme 2: Children play an active role in their own developmentEven before birth, children learn to distinguish between different stimuli and when they are born, they are already able to selectively focus on certain interesting objects. Their actions also elicit reactions from other people, which further shapes their...