Study reveals which parent children inherit their intelligence from

Not sure who can take credit for your child’s intelligence? Well, it looks like scientists have found the answer!

New studies show that it is the mother that gives a child their intelligence – not their father.

Children inherit their intelligence from mums

Researchers from the Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences Unit in Glasgow interviewed children between the ages of 14 to 22.

Taking into consideration factors such as education and socio-economic status, they found that a child’s intelligence was down to their mothers, and these youngsters IQ were only around 15 points different.

Experts believe that intelligence is carried by the X chromosome, of which females have two and men only one.

Scientists believe intelligence is carried in the X chromosome

Women have two X chromosomes (XX) and men have one (XY), meaning mums are twice as likely to pass down intelligence to their offspring than dads are.

However, not all experts believe intelligence is passed down from the X chromosome. Many say there are various factors determining a child’s IQ.

According to Psychology Spot, it’s estimated that 40-60% of intelligence is hereditary. They say the rest comes from environmental factors.

Although all of the scientific research is a major factor, it’s also been proven that both mum and dad’s physical and emotional contact plays a pivotal role in intellectual development.

We must not forget that if a child has a high IQ, they need to remain stimulated with new challenges and obstacles. Otherwise, their intelligence will diminish.

So, it seems BOTH mums and dads play a vital role in their children’s intellect, as well as helping them build confidence and teaching them new skills.

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