Non-inherited genes affect children's development

Non-inherited genes affect children's development

Parents' genes -- even when not directly inherited by a child -- may play a role in their educational and mental health outcomes, finds a new report.

Parental Genes Indirectly Influence Child Development

A new report reveals that parents' genes influence their children's educational and mental health outcomes, even when not directly inherited. This phenomenon, called "genetic nurture," shows that parents' genetic tendencies—such as valuing education or possessing strong non-cognitive skills—shape the home environment and positively impact child development.