But one field of evidence indicates that Harris is overstating her case. That is, parent education can be effective in changing parenting practices, which, in turn, affect children's behavior. This may be the one research tradition that indicates, unequivocally, that parents are a potent influence on children. However, even with this contrary evidence in mind, Harris helps us put parent behavior in perspective. That is, parents are only one part of the socialization process.
Studies show that peers actively shape each others' behavior even in the preschool years.
Hence, children tend to show up at home with beliefs and behaviors that conflict with those of their parents. Consider the many gender-egalitarian parents who have been surprised by the stereotyped beliefs uttered by their children. Or the immigrant families struggling to raise their children with the values of their homeland, but who are dismayed to see their children gradually take on American values. All of these families face an uphill battle against the power of peer influence. That is, peers are only one of many other factors that contribute to children's behavior.