Mom or dad? Scientists reveal whose genes pass on disease risks
Photo: Whose genes matter more for children’s health (Freepik)
Forget the myth that a child’s health and development is solely the mother’s responsibility. A new groundbreaking study is changing how we think about parenthood, according to Health Psychology.
Myths about mothers’ responsibility
For decades, psychology and medicine have focused on mothers: if something went wrong with a child, society often blamed maternal overprotection or coldness.
However, a team of researchers from Penn State University discovered something unexpected: in certain aspects, it is the father who plays the key role in determining a child’s physical and mental health later in life.
What the researchers found
Scientists analyzed family interactions when infants were just 10 months old and then assessed the children’s health at ages 2 and 7.
The results were striking: a father’s emotional state and interaction with the child had a direct and stronger impact on overall health in school-age children than similar indicators of the mother.
The study showed that when a father is distant or emotionally cold in early childhood, the child faces significantly higher risks of chronic health problems later.
At the same time, an actively involved father acts as a powerful shield against stress and illness.
Why this matters today
For fathers:
Your role isn’t limited to financial support. Your attention and playtime with your baby form the foundation of their physical health.
For mothers:
This is scientific confirmation that you don’t have to carry the entire burden of parenting alone. A child’s health is a team effort.
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