 A
study of more than 1,100 British mothers and their 5-year-old same-sex
twins found a solid combination of parental care and genetics can
overcome extreme poverty. The study, which differentiated between
twins who shared the same genes and those who only shared half, collected
data on single-parent families in which the father was missing.
As in many cases, science only partially explained the final result.
Researchers noted these families lived in the poorest neighborhoods
and overcrowded homes in disrepair. Nevertheless, the big difference
comes from the warmth, interest and mental stimulation single mothers
pay toward their children.
Child
Development May-June 2004;75(3):651-68
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