That old cliché about every woman turning into her mother might not be so ridiculous after all because science says your mum directly influences many of the things that make you, you – from your intelligence to your behaviour in romantic relationships.
While genetics are undoubtedly a highly complex matter, numerous studies have suggested that we can inherit some specific characteristics and qualities from our mums, whether by nature, nurture or a complicated mix of the two.
So, whether you and your mum are like two peas in a pod or totally chalk and cheese, look like twins or couldn’t be more opposite, science says these are the five things you probably ‘got’ from her…
Your intelligence
Yep, it looks like you probably got your brains from mum, not dad. A large study by researchers from Glasgow’s Medical Research Council Social and Public Health Sciences Unit looked at over 12,000 young people between the ages of 14 and 22 to determine which factors affect intelligence, including socio-economic status and education.
And, lo and behold, the best predictor of intelligence was found to be their mother’s IQ: in fact, the participants’ IQs only varied by an average of 15 points from their mums’.
Your sleeping patterns
If you have difficulties sleeping, it might be time to your blame your mother. Research published in the journal Sleep Medicine last year suggests that mums pass on their sleeping habits to their kids, and that the children of insomniac mothers tend to fall asleep later and get less rest. Interestingly enough, the scientists did not see the same link with dads.
That said, if your mum could fall asleep anywhere, we guess you’re in luck!
