01/08/2025
Science says moms pass down most of your smarts thanks to their genes and their love
According to a groundbreaking study from the University of Glasgow involving over 12,000 participants, children inherit the majority of their intelligence genes from their mothers. The reason? Many of the genes linked to cognitive ability are found on the X chromosome and since women carry two of them, they’re more likely to pass on those crucial “smart” genes to their children. But it’s not just about DNA it’s also about environment.
The study also found that maternal education and emotional support play a massive role in shaping a child’s intellectual development. In other words, a mom’s nurturing, encouragement, and engagement are just as influential as the genetic code she passes down. From bedtime stories to homework help to simply showing up, moms aren’t just building bonds they’re building brains.
While intelligence is influenced by many complex factors like nutrition, learning experiences, and even peer relationships this research sheds powerful new light on the biological and emotional impact of mothers in shaping young minds. So the next time someone says “You get it from your mama,” just know… science totally agrees. 🧠👩👧👦✨