Genetics (for Parents) (2024)

What Is Genetics?

Genetics is the study of genes. Our genes carry information that gets passed from one generation to the next. For example, genes are why one child has blonde hair like their mother, while their sibling has brown hair like their father. Genes also determine why some illnesses run in families and whether babies will be male or female.

What Are Genes?

Genes are sections of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that are found inside every human cell. They’re so tiny that they can be seen only under a powerful microscope. DNA is made of four chemicals that form pairs in different combinations. The combinations create codes for different genes. Each person has about 20,000 genes. The genes code for different traits, such as eye color, body type, or male or female sex.

What Is a Chromosome?

Inside each cell, DNA is tightly wrapped together in structures called chromosomes. Every normal cell has 23 pairs of chromosomes (for a total of 46):

  • 22 pairs of chromosomes are the same in males and females. These are called autosomes (AW-tuh-soamz).
  • The 23rd pair — the sex chromosomes — determines the sex of the baby. Females have two X chromosomes and males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.

How Do Genes Pass From Parent to Child?

To form a fetus, an egg from the mother and sperm from the father come together. The egg and sperm each have one half of a set of chromosomes. The egg and sperm together give the baby the full set of chromosomes. So, half the baby’s DNA comes from the mother and half comes from the father.

Genetics (for Parents) (1)

What Is a Genetic Disorder?

A genetic disorder happens when a gene (or genes) has a problem with its code, and this causes a health problem. Sometimes a genetic disorder happens when a child inherits it from one or both parents. Other times, it happens only in the child (and the parents do not have the genetic disorder).

How Do Genetic Disorders Happen?

Different things can cause a genetic disorder, such as:

  • a change (mutation) in one gene on a
  • a missing part of a chromosome (called a deletion)
  • genes shifting from one chromosome to another (called a translocation)
  • an extra or missing chromosome
  • too few or too many sex chromosomes

Looking Ahead

Scientists are learning more and more about genetics. A worldwide research project called The Human Genome Project created a map of all human genes. It shows where the genes are located on the chromosomes. Doctors can use this map to find and treat or cure some kinds of genetic disorders. There is hope that treatments for many genetic disorders will be developed in the future.

Medically reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD

Date reviewed: October 2021

Genetics (for Parents) (2024)

FAQs

Can my mom take my phone if my dad pays for it? ›

If she feels that the phone is a distractiuon or is unhealthy for the child's well being, she can take the phone away. This depends on the child's age and the circ*mstances. However, the custodial parent may not limit communication with the non custodial parent if it is mandated in the custody order.

How to ignore parents' negative comments? ›

Remove yourself from the situation

If the hurtful comments become too personal (such as “you are already 35, why are you not married?”), remind yourself that there is no need to continue to stand (or sit) around. Take time-outs for yourself to breathe and refocus your thoughts.

How to make your dad feel bad for yelling at you? ›

They might not know this, and they might not even notice they're shouting.
  1. Say, “I feel hurt when you shout at me.”
  2. Tell them, “When you shout at me, I feel like crying.”
  3. Request that they act differently, “Next time, can you talk to me in a normal voice?"

How much of your parents make up your genetic code? ›

To form a fetus, an egg from the mother and sperm from the father come together. The egg and sperm each have one half of a set of chromosomes. The egg and sperm together give the baby the full set of chromosomes. So, half the baby's DNA comes from the mother and half comes from the father.

Should I check my 17 year old's phone? ›

The phone plan is probably in your name and you probably bought the electronic devices. But even if not, you have every right and responsibility to check them if you've been given cause to do so because you have the right and obligation to keep your home safe, your child safe, and your other children safe.

Can my parents take my stuff when I'm 18? ›

And No. 3, once you turn 18, they can't take your stuff anymore.

What is cold mother syndrome? ›

Cold mother syndrome refers to a parenting style characterized by emotional distance, dismissiveness, and rejection. This type of mothering is often accompanied by a lack of emotional availability and neglect of a child's emotional needs.

Is my mom toxic or am I overreacting? ›

Determining if your mom is toxic involves assessing her behavior patterns. If you consistently feel undermined, manipulated, or emotionally drained after interactions, these are signs of toxic behavior. It's not about overreacting; it's about recognizing patterns that consistently harm your well-being.

What is toxic parenting? ›

Let's begin by defining what a toxic parent is. To be clear, “toxic parent” isn't a medical term or a clearly defined concept. When people discuss toxic parents, they are typically describing parents who consistently behave in ways that cause guilt, fear, or obligation in their children.

Why do I cry when I get yelled at? ›

Crying in response to yelling is a natural reaction for many people. When we feel threatened or criticized harshly, it can bring up feelings of shame, hurt, and shock that lead to tears. Crying helps us release some of the overwhelming stress and tension that builds up when being yelled at.

Why do I cry when my dad scolds me? ›

It is likely that you feel really angry about being criticized, and you were taught not to express anger. The only acceptable way your parents can hear your anger is if you cry, which is not seen as a challenge to their authority.

Why do I cry when my dad shouts at me? ›

You cry because when he yells at you it means he is saying what you did is wrong but didn't give enough reason to justify his yelling, so you get confused and becomes vulnerable. Not everyone feels things the same, and that's okay. The root cause is fear, no matter what.

What does a girl inherit from her father? ›

Daughters get two X chromosomes, one from Mother and one from Father. So Daughter will inherit X-linked genes from her father as well as her mother. Examples of X-linked recessive disorders are hemophilia, red-green color blindness, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.

Do you age like your mother or father? ›

Aging. Several animal studies have shown that maternal genes may influence how their progeny age. Scientists discovered that DNA from the mitochondria, which we only inherit from our mothers, may have a role in controlling the rate of aging.

What is inherited from father only? ›

#1 Baby's Biological Sex

It's one of the physical traits that's 100% determined by paternal genes and/or dads. The Supporting Evidence: While mothers will always pass down their X chromosome (considering it's the only kind they have), fathers will pass down either an X or Y chromosome at random.

Is it right for parents to take away your phone? ›

Threatening to take away your teen's phone may seem like a great way to get them to do something. But it's usually not a good choice as a punishment. When you take away their phone, you're turning off the television, banning games, taking away their ability to talk with friends, and grounding them all at once.

What to do if your parents take your phone? ›

The first step in recognizing and correcting your mistake is to apologize. Give them time to think and discuss it together and privately, while doing this don't ask and ask and be patient. this shows that your mature and understand that they need to talk and think. Avoid begging for your phone back after the apology.

Is it illegal for parents to go through your phone? ›

Generally, parents with kids under the age of 18. have a right to go through their kids phone.

Is it legal for parents to take your money? ›

Bank account ownership: If the bank account is solely in your name, your parents should not have access to it. However, if it's a joint account with your parents, they may have the right to withdraw funds.

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