Do Children Truly Inherit More Intelligence from Their Mothers?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A child’s intelligence is often a fascinating subject to explore. Some studies suggest that a mother’s genes play a more significant role in determining a child’s intelligence compared to a father’s genes. But is it true that children inherit more intelligence from their mothers?

The Link Between Genetics and a Child’s Intelligence

According to Reader’s Digest, intelligence-related genes are more likely to be passed down from mothers because they are typically associated with the X chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes, while men only have one. This gives mothers a greater chance of transmitting intelligence to their children.

A study conducted by scientists in Glasgow, Scotland, since 1994 supports this idea. The research, which involved interviews with 12,686 individuals aged 14 to 22, revealed that a child’s intelligence can be significantly predicted by the genes inherited from the mother.

Another study from the University of Washington highlighted the importance of the emotional bond between mother and child. It found that a strong emotional connection between the two can influence the development of certain areas in the brain, particularly the hippocampus. This region is responsible for learning ability, memory, and how the brain responds to stress.

Over the course of seven years, the study discovered that children who received emotional and intellectual support from their mothers had hippocampal regions that were 19 percent larger compared to those who did not receive such support.

These findings suggest that the emotional and intellectual relationship between mother and child not only shapes brain development but also contributes to self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and overall potential.

Not Just Genetics at Play

While a child’s intelligence is often linked to genetics, it is not determined solely by the genes inherited from the mother.

An expert from the University of Melbourne’s Graduate School of Education explained that aside from genetic factors, a child’s surroundings and family environment also play a crucial role. Children inherit genes from both parents, but their intelligence is also shaped by the environment in which they grow up. This includes the people around them, their diet, the quality of education they receive, and their social circles. All these elements contribute to the development of a child’s intelligence.

Steps to Support a Child’s Intellectual Growth

Parents can take several steps to help their children grow emotionally and intellectually, such as:

1. Encourage Early Learning

Motivate children to begin reading and writing at a young age. These activities can positively impact academic performance later in life. However, it is important for parents to allow children to learn independently and not provide too much help.

2. Limit Screen Time

Set a daily limit of two hours for gadget use. This encourages children to stay focused on other meaningful activities.

3. Teach Social Skills

Help children understand how to interact with others by teaching them how to resolve conflicts with friends, assist others, and listen without interrupting. Research from Pennsylvania State and Duke University shows that these social skills are essential for a child’s development.

4. Avoid Overprotectiveness

Allow children to face challenges and solve problems on their own. Constantly shielding or excessively praising children may hinder their ability to persevere and deal with difficulties. By paying attention to these aspects, parents can help their children grow into emotionally and intellectually capable individuals.

Andika Dwi contributed to the writing of this article.

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