The birth of a child often brings great expectations from parents, who hope their offspring will inherit their best traits, from intelligence to physical appearance. But the question arises: do children get their smarts mostly from their mothers or fathers?
To unravel this mystery, scientists in Glasgow, UK, conducted an extensive study to explore how intelligence is genetically passed down through generations. In their research, the team surveyed over 12,000 young people aged 14 to 22, and the results provided fascinating insights.
Even after accounting for factors like education, race, and socioeconomic status, they found that the intelligence gap between children and their mothers was only 15%. This suggests that if a mother has a high IQ, her children are likely to inherit this trait. These findings are not just theoretical but also open up avenues for further research into genetics and child development.
The intelligence gap between children and their mothers was only 15%, suggesting a strong genetic link.
A recently published study in the journal Psychology Spot confirmed that children’s intelligence is primarily inherited from their mothers. This can be explained by the concentration of intelligence-related genes on the X chromosome, with about 2/3 of these genes present there. Females, with their XX chromosomes, will pass on more intelligence genes than males with their XY chromosomes.
Additionally, researchers from the University of Washington found that the emotional bond between mother and child also plays a crucial role in childhood brain development. Specifically, children who experienced a happy environment with their mothers during the first seven years of life had a hippocampus—the brain region associated with memory and stress management—up to 10% larger than those who lacked this attachment.
However, experts emphasize that genetics is not the sole determinant of a child’s intelligence. They argue that the environment can play a far more critical role than heredity. Even parents with average IQs can foster their children’s intellectual development by providing a positive and supportive living environment.
Genetics is not the only factor shaping a child’s intelligence; the environment plays a significant role, too.
Here are some ways parents can boost their children’s IQ:
Ensure Adequate Sleep for Children
Numerous studies have shown that both the duration and quality of sleep significantly impact children’s cognitive development. Establishing healthy sleep habits for children is essential.
Good sleep doesn’t just make children feel refreshed; it also stimulates the production of growth hormones, supporting brain development. Sufficient sleep allows the brain to grow and enhances learning abilities and intelligence. Therefore, parents should focus on creating a comfortable sleeping environment and maintaining a reasonable sleep schedule for their children.
Encourage Children to Engage in Music and Art to Enhance Cognitive Abilities
Music
Psychological studies indicate that when children interact with music, their brains undergo significant development. Music stimulates the coordination of the central nervous, motor, visual, and auditory systems. Besides being relaxing, music serves as a form of brain yoga, enhancing cognitive abilities.
Interacting with music stimulates brain development and enhances cognitive abilities.
Art
In addition to music, art, particularly drawing, is an effective way to engage the right side of the brain. This creative activity not only refines motor skills but also improves listening abilities, visual recognition, and language comprehension. Parents can expose their children to art by visiting museums, zoos, and tourist destinations, fostering creative thinking and intelligence.
Encourage Children to Play Various Games
According to German scientists, children who regularly engage in games may have a larger prefrontal cortex than their peers. The prefrontal cortex is responsible for executive functions and higher-order thinking. Its size is considered an important indicator of intelligence. Therefore, playing games not only brings joy but also promotes brain development, making children smarter.
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