Explaining why "children of the same father, if not in feathers, will resemble their father"

Children with intelligent parents tend to do better academically, even if they do not inherit the same intelligence-influencing genes as their parents, according to a new study conducted by University College London (UK).

Researchers believe that parents' abilities can "seep" into their children through the process of raising them. For example, parents spend time reading with their children and helping them develop reading habits, studying with their children and helping them form good study habits...

Parents' abilities always have an influence on their children in reality, regardless of genetic factors (Photo: AS).

"Through this study, we have seen a strong link between genetics and the environment. This could change the notion that genetics alone are decisive for a child's development," said study leader Dr José Morosoli.

Genetics and the environment created by parents in the family both influence children's academic performance and mental health. In addition, the degree of influence of genetics and environment also changes as children grow.

Early interventions that focus on parenting styles can be very effective when children are young. Later, as children grow older, efforts should focus on the child's own attitudes and behaviors.

The team compiled data from the lives of 38,654 families in the UK, Australia, the Netherlands, Iceland and the US. In terms of genetics, the team compiled data from 4,580 families in the UK.

The results showed that children of highly intelligent parents often achieve better academically, even if they do not inherit the same intelligence-influencing genes as their parents.

In addition, research has shown that children's mental health and behavior are greatly influenced by their parents, regardless of genetic factors. This is most evident at the age of 3.

At this time, the parents' ability and personality traits have a strong impact on their children, expressed through perseverance, endurance, patience, the ability to regulate emotions and control themselves. When parents have these, they can often teach and support their children to develop good personality traits in the early stages of life.

In terms of both children's academic achievement and mental health, highly competent parents have a significant positive impact on their children during their early childhood, regardless of whether the children inherit the same "smart genes" as their parents.

Professor Jean-Baptiste Pingault, lecturer at University College London, said: "Our research further reinforces the view that the living environment and parenting style of parents play a very important role in shaping children's development."

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/ly-giai-tai-sao-con-nha-tong-khong-giong-long-cung-giong-canh-20250513212539039.htm