A clear answer is emerging in the long-standing question: who donates more to a child’s intelligence—their mother or father? Recent research from the University of Glasgow, summarized by Caring Minds United, provides compelling evidence that genetics contributes roughly 50% to intelligence, with a notable bias toward the mother’s influence.
This large-scale study followed over 12,000 children across several years. Researchers used statistical models to examine how much variance in IQ could be explained by parental DNA versus environment. Results showed that a child’s cognitive ability correlates strongly with the mother’s IQ, regardless of socioeconomic, educational, or ethnic background. Scientists attribute this to influential intelligence-linked genes located on the X chromosome, of which mothers provide two copies and fathers just one.
But genetics is just part of the plot. Environmental factors—such as education quality, parental interaction, nutrition, and early life experiences—account for the remaining 50%. The study underscores that intelligence is not a hard-wired trait, but a dynamic interplay between innate potential and nurturing contexts.
This has concrete implications for parents and educators. Recognizing the biological foundation can help avoid misunderstandings, like attributing a child’s learning challenges solely to a parenting style. Yet overemphasis on nature risks neglecting the power of supportive environments—especially in underserved communities, where enriched experiences can significantly improve cognitive outcomes.
Dr. Egna Perez, reflecting on the finding, notes: “A child’s intelligence is a shared inheritance—genetic seeds sown by both parents, but nurtured by life’s hands.” The message resonates in a world where “nature vs. nurture” debates can often distort the value of balanced development.
Looking ahead, researchers recommend integrating genetic insights with educational policy. Targeted early childhood programs, personalized learning, and parental support systems could all benefit from these findings. By acknowledging both genetic predisposition and environmental shaping, we pave the way for more effective, equitable interventions.
Source: Caring Minds United
