The debate of nature versus nurture is a controversial one, and although both sides could be fought, in the story “I Stand Here Ironing” by Tillie Olsen, nurture seems to be more arguable. Research has shown that the environment and caring of a child can modify their genetics, this can sometimes lead to psychological disorders as they grow older. In this story, Emily’s environment is constantly changing, from the neighbour’s home, to a hospital facility. At the age of two years old, Emily was separated from her mother and was placed in the care of her father’s parents. Studies show that separation of a mother and her child can cause anxiety, resentment, and aggression, this leads to a life long detachment and possible trust issues in future relationships. Outside of science, a parent missing out on events in a child’s life, alters how well they may know, and understand their child. The bond a mother and child create in the first few years of their life can make a drastic difference going forward. Emily represents a detachment from her mother, as well as children in her school, she struggled to make friends. Emily’s mother neglected her in the early parts of her life, and continued to do so as she grew older. When Emily was in the hospital, her mother had another child, Susan, to Emily it may have seemed as if she was being replaced. Much of the attention was paid to Susan as opposed to Emily because Emily did not require as much care due to her age. This constant neglect could have caused Emily anxiety and depression. Emily seemed to use her comedy as a coping mechanism, subconsciously, she deals with her struggles by attempting to make light of them. Although nature is an important factor in child development, it is something that is out of our control, nurture is something that we have the ability to adjust. Emily’s life is an example of how nurture is a more prominent factor.