Research on Parents’ Nurturing Behavior and Children’s DNA

An article published in Frontiers for Young Minds explores how parental care can influence a child’s DNA. Scientists first discovered this in rats.

Baby rats that received frequent licking, grooming, and nursing from their mothers developed genetic markers that helped them handle stress better. Those with less nurturing mothers had markers that made them more sensitive to stress.

Researchers found similar effects in humans. Hugs and loving care can create changes in a child’s genes. Such changes help them handle stress and support brain growth. This means a parent’s affection isn’t just comforting — it also helps a child grow stronger and healthier!

This research shows how important everyday love and care are for children. Simple actions like hugs, kind words, and support can shape a child’s genes, which helps them handle stress and grow into strong, confident adults.

Understanding the Research

The article in Frontiers for Young Minds cites research on mother rats’ care for their pups and its effect on their stress response as adults.

Scientists found that baby rats who received more licking, grooming, and nursing from their mothers developed a better ability to handle stress later in life. This was linked to changes in their genes — a part of the brain that helps control stress (the HPA axis).

These changes happened because nurturing behaviors increased the activity of the GR gene. This gene codes for the glucocorticoid receptor, which plays a key role in regulating the body’s response to stress.

In cared-for pups, a key section of this gene had less chemical blocking (called methylation). As a result, their bodies produced proteins that improved stress management.

The article also mentions that when babies are born early and need extra care, “kangaroo care” can have powerful effects. This is when a parent holds their baby against their chest, skin-to-skin, for warmth and comfort.

Studies have shown that this close contact helps with the baby’s physical development and ability to recover from challenges.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

It’s often the little things — like warm hugs, kind words, and steady support — that help our kids feel safe and secure. Here are tips that will create a strong foundation for their growth:

Provide physical affection

Physical affection, like hugging, cuddling, and gentle touches, helps build a strong parent-child bond while supporting emotional regulation.

Holding and rocking newborns offers comfort and security, while older children benefit from gestures like a reassuring pat on the back, a warm hug, or a playful high-five.

Respond to them with warmth and care

Children need to know that you value their feelings. For example, when they are upset, using a calm and gentle tone and comforting words allows them to feel understood.

Parents may use simple phrases like, “I’m here for you” or “It’s okay to feel this way.” These phrases teach them that their emotions are valid.

Practice kangaroo care for infants

Kangaroo care is not just for newborns in hospitals. It can also be practiced at home and isn’t limited to mothers — fathers and other caregivers can provide this nurturing touch as well.

Holding a baby against your chest provides warmth, regulates their heartbeat, and reduces stress. It’s a simple yet powerful practice that strengthens the parent-child connection.

Model healthy stress management

Children learn how to handle stress by observing how we, adults, respond to life’s difficulties. Staying calm and composed in difficult situations shows emotional regulation.

We recommend practicing coping skills together, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or other relaxation techniques. Talking through problems and brainstorming solutions as a family is another great piece of advice. This strengthens family bonds and demonstrates teamwork.

The authors conclude that parents have the power to influence their children’s development through love and care, which would leave a lasting imprint on their DNA.

Take the next step with our Mental Health Coping Skills Worksheets and Stress Management Worksheets. These tools help children and teens achieve emotional growth.