Grandparents are essential figures in the development and upbringing of children, providing physical and emotional support to families. Its presence not only facilitates work-life balance for parents, but also contributes to the emotional development of grandchildren. The relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is built on the affection and devotion they provide, and this relationship is strengthened the more time they spend together.
The common notion that “parents are there to teach and grandparents are there to spoil” reflects how the role of grandparents has been assumed in society: to be more lenient and affectionate, while parents maintain a more disciplined attitude. This relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is especially deep with a maternal grandmother, and science has an explanation for it.
Genetics behind the connection with the maternal grandmother
A study conducted by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in the United States showed that grandchildren inherit more genetic and temperamental information from their maternal grandmothers. Eggs carry a large genetic and mitochondrial load, unlike sperm, which increases the likelihood of grandmother's characteristics appearing in grandchildren. This explains why the temperament and behavior of grandchildren can be very similar to the temperament and behavior of their maternal grandmother, even if there are no obvious physical similarities.
Alejandro Jodorowsky, a Chilean essayist, also supports this theory. According to him, the bond begins when the maternal grandmother is pregnant with her daughter. During this pregnancy, the future mother has already formed eggs containing the genetic load from the grandmother. Furthermore, Jodorowsky suggests that grandchildren also inherit grandmother's emotional experiences through their own DNA, which remains present even after a single generation.
Science and genetics: more than just an emotional issue
Another study from the University of Cambridge showed that maternal grandmothers pass on 25% of their X chromosomes to their grandchildren and granddaughters. This contributes to the special bond that is created with them, whereas in the case of paternal grandmothers, the genetic legacy of male grandchildren is less important. Article published in Embryonic development, regenerative medicine and stem cell database He also supports this theory, saying that a maternal grandmother can pass on distinctive features, such as a mole or a smile, to her grandchildren and granddaughters.
Despite the importance of the genetic factor regarding the maternal grandmother, studies agree that it is not the only factor. The affection and dedication of paternal grandmothers and grandfathers is also essential to forming deep and lasting bonds with their grandchildren. Genetics can explain many things, but it does not replace the love and support that grandparents provide every day.
