Ducklings (apparently) adopt the first living thing they see as their mum. It’s called ‘imprinting’ and is kind of cute. Unless they hatch when mum’s not there and they see, for example, an otter? Confusing, I would imagine, for the duckling and otter.
And baby monkeys learn to be afraid of snakes by watching the reaction of older monkeys.
So what?
We’re all subjected to ‘imprinting’. From the moment you pop out into the world and someone smacks your backside (nice welcome and first lesson learned!) you are absorbing the world around you. You have a certain genetic make-up but, other than that, you’re a blank canvas, ready to be imprinted upon. The first 24 months are absolutely crucial. Up to seven is vital. And from then on, the imprinting continues, but at a slower rate. I guess there are fewer spaces on the blank canvas?
So what, again?
Well, it’s a bit too late for us. If you’re reading this, you’re older than seven so have already been imprinted upon. Your canvas is already half a dozen coats thick! You have already learned a whole bunch of thoughts and habits. But what a fabulous opportunity to make a positive imprint on the next under seven that comes into your life. What is your language and body language teaching them?
And a much wider point to send you spinning into a mild panic. What imprint are you making on the world?